President Rodrigo Duterte has declared September 8 of every year as National Green Building Day as part of efforts to promote a greener construction sector.

Proclamation 1030, signed on October 21 and released on Wednesday, recognizes the need to provide opportunities to encourage cooperation between the public and private sectors in advancing the government’s commitment to protecting the environment.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with relevant non-government organizations and civil society groups, shall promote the observance of the National Green Building Day, and identify the programs, projects, and activities for the yearly celebration thereof,” the proclamation read.

All other agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, were also directed, and all local government units, as well as the private sector, were encouraged to support the DPWH in celebrating National Green Building Day and effectively implementing the proclamation.

“It is imperative to intensify existing initiatives to promote and raise awareness on the efficient and equitable use of resources, proper water and waste management, and integration of eco-friendly processes and systems, among others,” it read.

Section 16, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

In 2016, the DPWH adopted the Philippine Green Building (GB) Code through the issuance of National Building Code Development Office Memorandum Circular 1, which provides for a framework of standards that are intended to reduce the country’s carbon emissions from buildings, and promote the health and well-being of the building occupants.

The GB Code is a set of regulations setting minimum standards for compliance and not intended to rate buildings.

It is subject to the performance standards of energy efficiency, water efficiency, material sustainability, solid waste, management, site sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.

Green building is the practice of adopting measures that promote resource management efficiency and site sustainability while minimizing the negative impact of buildings on human health and the environment.

This practice complements the conventional building design concerns of economy, durability, serviceability, and comfort. (PNA)