Green projects take centerstage in IFC-PGBI certification system

MANILA, Philippines - Three property developers were recognized for their green building developments under the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE), a green building certification system for emerging markets of International Finance Corp. (IFC) of the World Bank Group with Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI).

IFC and PGBI launched recently the EDGE green building certification system in the country, naming ItalPinas Development Corp., Imperial Homes Corp. and Phinma Properties Holding Corp. for their highly energy efficient green building developments.

IFC country manager Yuan Xu said EDGE is a voluntary certification system that helps simplify and reduce the cost of green buildings, promoting resource efficiency through building designs that reduce energy, including the energy used in making construction materials and water.

“If we want to sustain economic growth, we need to transform the market so that there are more builders and investors setting up green buildings. We need more structures that save energy, minimize construction and operation costs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

In a briefing, PGBI vice president for administration and operations Ramon Aguillos said EDGE targets new buildings—whether commercial or residential—to minimize the use of energy targeting at least 20 percent of all total buildings being constructed in seven years.

“We just launched EDGE right now, but there have been inquiries prior… We can reach or surpass our target for this year, that’s how the market reacted,” he said.

During the launch, ItalPinas Development Corp. was recognized for its Primavera Residences condominium towers A and B in Cagayan de Oro, whose design and resource-efficient features result in 32 to 37 percent savings in energy, water and materials.

Another firm highlighted was Imperial Homes Corp. for its affordable housing units Tiarra Premiere and Delsey in Santo Tomas, Batangas, which yielded 28 to 38 percent savings.

Phinma Properties Holding Corp. was also recognized for Grand Strikeville Phase 4 in Bacoor, Cavite, as it’s design generated 22 to 41 percent savings in in energy, water and materials.

Also recognized were the Philippine Hotel Owners’ Association Inc. for promoting investments in energy-efficient tourism programs and renewable energy resources and the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines for encouraging its members to use green-building measures.

Former Mandaluyong mayor Benhur Abalos was cited for steering green policies and programs in the city, including a green-building ordinance that requires new buildings to adopt energy and water-efficient practices.

IFC’s green building program is expected to cut 1.9 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in the Philippines and save P38 billion a year by 2030.