How to make your home eco-friendly and energy efficient

MANILA, Philippines - The effects of global warming are very much present in tropical countries like the Philippines. Rising temperatures and depleting energy sources are encouraging people to explore various ways of helping mitigate the effects of climate change while preserving the environment.

For architect Francis Xavier Santaromana, one of the best solutions to these environmental concerns is to build eco-friendly and energy efficient “green houses”.

Santaromana is a dedicated practitioner of green architecture—structural designs that can function with the least negative effect on the environment.

He explained that green houses are designed to be energy-efficient so that it will consume less energy, thus equating to big savings on electricity costs.

The principles of green architecture can also be applied to existing condominium units, town homes, and regular houses, including those found in tightly-packed residential communities. Santaromana shares a few simple ways of turning an existing home into a green house.

• Use sun filters. Putting deflecting light ledges or films on window openings and coverings can control or filter natural sunlight to provide day lighting. This minimizes the use of artificial lighting which requires electricity.

•  Install breeze panels. Placing breeze directing panels and exterior sun louvers or baffles enable air to naturally cool the house without limiting natural light from entering the rooms. This reduces the use of costly air conditioning and other cooling appliances.

For inquiries, call 845-8888 or email [email protected].