Sunday, April 18, 2010

An Introduction to Green Building Certifications

The Philippines, through a developing awareness on the importance of going environmental, will start to see a lot of buildings showing different environmental certifications. Many would ask "What is the basic purpose of these certifications and why would they matter?"

leed-to-rate-energy-use


Just like the concept of ISO, Green Building Certifications like BERDE, being developed for the Philippines, BREEAM from the UK, and LEED from the USA, are formed to give a benchmark on what the building is doing to become more environmental



(Above: Breeam Criteria on Cerficiation)

The whole concept of building green and getting certified gives public a better awareness that the building follows standards of choosing the right materials for building the products which is both sustainable for the environment, and safe for public health. It also continues by ensuring that these implementations are an on going benefit to the environment and its occupants by setting standards that are dynamic as new technology enters the market. 

Major important areas to consider are on energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency, and health impact

Building Certifications take the regular building and challenges developers to go beyond the standards of conventional buildings and further improve and reduce the need for consumable resources. Buildings have to maximize using nature such as daylight and wind in lighting and cooling whenever possible.

Reward on using the following certification pays for itself in many ways. Clients who are aware of these certification and their corresponding benefits favor Green Certified buildings, thus increasing their property value. They also have an economic advantage of substantially lower maintenance cost, and the idea of creating a building that is beneficial for the environment is more important than ever.

People looking into investing in properties now have to put greater weight on Green Certified buildings as the shift towards eco-responsible products and infrastructure is more important. Those who do not go green are left out.

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