Mandaue school invests in ‘green’ development

CEBU, Philippines — Saying it wants to help win the fight against global warming, a school in Mandaue City has decided to invest in “green” building development.

Children’s Paradise Montessori School will be constructing a four-story building, as it seeks funding from the Bank of the Philippine Islands under the lender’s Sustainable Energy Finance (SEF) program.

CPMS president Marivic Bathan said the school is looking to invest some P100 million for the project, which includes four buildings to be built in four phases of land development.

“Our direction as a school is to be a green school. Our approach is holistic; that is really transforming our current lifestyle to becoming more environmentally-friendly and healthy as well,” Bathan said.

She said the project, which will have green elements integrated into the structure, will mainly be financed through a “big and long-term” bank loan.

BPI has partnered with the International Finance Corp-World Bank Group to provide its clients technical support in green projects.

CPMS has also tapped green architect Joy Onozawa as a consultant for their green project.

Onozawa has started providing the school’s architects with inputs on the planned building’s design and has conducted a workshop for their teachers and employees.

“Our thrust is really to live a green and healthy lifestyle to make it sustainable. Hence, we have enriched the curriculum with activities for children, teachers, and even parents,” Bathan said. — JMD