Building green
Globally, in developed countries, the trend in construction has been to build responsibly, conscious of any building’s environmental impact. As a result, terms and buzzwords such as “building Green” and a building’s carbon footprint have sprung up, to be utilized as developers’ take on a mantle of social responsibility. To a non-builder such as myself, there is some irony in referring to a structure of concrete and steel while talking “green” in the same breath. So it was an eye-opener to meet the brain trust behind Bonifacio Global City’s The Net Group, and discover, how even in a developing country such as ours, there are those who take this worldwide trend seriously, and apply it as their corporate philosophy.
With five buildings standing, and the Net Lima up by early 2012 — and the Net Park with the Ascott Residences scheduled for 2014 (to be collectively referred to as the Net Metropolis), Jacques Dupasquier and Charlie Rufino have contributed to Bonifacio’s skyscape in a major way. The new “baby,” the Lima, is situated on a 1.2 hectare plot; and upon its completion, will present tenants with over 150,000 square meters of office space, with a complement of cafes, restos and banks as the ground floor’s retail spaces. Noted “green” architect Chad Oppenheim is behind the development’s plans, and The Net Group EVPs Raymond Rufino and Tina Samson were more than proud to detail how the building would be different, and among the first of its kind locally.
With the “marrying of beauty with sustainability” as its battle cry, the Net Lima will have an aluminum perforated screen acting like an ethereal wrap around the building. By encasing the building, one aesthetically creates a shading and protective screen for the entire structure. Positioned a half meter away from the building, this “gift-wrapping” will still allow natural light to illuminate the interior space, while reducing the costs and energy consumption of the AC system. Fresh air ventilation is a given, and a filtration system will harvest storm water and condensate water from the AC, to be recycled for landscaping, cleaning and other rudimentary needs. Cold air recycling will result in ducting to the arcade area in front of the lobby, creating a “cool zone” from the waist up for those standing in front of the building’s lobby. Such names as Andy Locsin, Anna Sy, Rajo Laurel, Rhett Eala and Anton Ramos will lend their expertise to the building’s final look and image — Rajo and Rhett for the uniforms of the concierge and staff, while Anton will handle the music of the building. In my books, that’s a new dimension of “attention to detail” and leaving no stone... make that, pebble, unturned!
The Lima will conform to BERDE standards (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence), as set forth by the Philippine Green Building Council, which in accordance with the World Green Building Council, created a rating system that’s fully relevant for the Philippines.
