IDC urges developers to go green

MANILA, Philippines - In a flood and typhoon-prone country like the Philippines, developers must seriously study where to best locate their properties even before construction, a leading architect said.

“Properties and housing must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions by utilizing technologies and state-of the-art software that can predict weather conditions in an area,’’ Romolo Nati, CEO of property developer Italpinas Development Corp. (IDC), said.

IDC is an Italian-Filipino design-driven developer of sustainable properties in emerging cities in the Philippines. It is the company behind Primavera Residences, a 1,126-square meter property located in Cagayan de Oro which has won the Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines award at the 2014 Asian Property Awards.

Nati stressed rapid urbanization has severely impacted the environment. 

Developers can help alleviate the situation by incorporating passive green features in buildings, a technique which melds energy-saving and sustainable features.

“But developers and designers must think of ways to make green design not only available but also practical. Passive green features are the best way to do this without making the building too expensive,” added Nati.

IDC’s flagship property Primavera Residences, for instance, is modeled after an anthill with a hollow column in the middle of each tower for air to enter and circulate, creating a funnel effect that helps cool down the building, lowering air conditioning costs. Photovoltaic panels attached to the roof also help reduce electricity costs by up to 32 percent.