Commercial developers encouraged to go green

CEBU, Philippines — Commercial building developers are encouraged to invest on "green building" projects, if they want to attract prime tenants, and even condo residential buyers.

Unlike in the past that "green buildings" were just considered as value-added feature, today it has become an essential part of clients' requirement around the world, said Raymond Rufino, chairman of the Urban Land Institute (ULI)- Philippines National Council.

Speaking before Cebuano real estate developers during the “Big, Beautiful, and Berde” forum hosted by Cebu Exchange by Arthaland and Arch Capital in partnership with ULI, Rufino stressed that while it is morally good to adhere to environmental responsibilities by going "green", it also becomes a competitive advantage for developers now a days.

“Developers now build green buildings because they’re demanded by clients and also because it’s already part of the environment regulation" said Rufino adding that in some countries acquiring green building certification is already a pre-requisite to getting permits.

Rufino, on the other hand, warned developers to employ professional help in this particular feature, and getting certified is important.

There are developers in the Philippines who claimed that they have adopted green building practices in their projects but  not all of their projects are “green” certified, he said.

Rufino, who is also the chairman of the Philippine Green Building Council, which developed the Berde rating system, added that this sustainable spaces or green buildings trend is not only meant to attract investors but also targets the improvement to the quality of life of tenants, or homeowners.

Based on US Green Building Council record, there are 92 real estate projects that have been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in the Philippines.

LEED, is a certification program focused primarily on new, commercial-building projects and based upon a points system.

Rufino cited Cebu as one of the cities in the Philippines that presents more room to grow and is emerging as an attractive place for real estate developers to pursue brand new green investments.

"Cebu is a leading green building location in the island. Mandaue City, in particular, is a progressive city in going green, making it part of the city’s policies,” he added.