“Green Building”refers to a structure, and its subsequent use, that is ecologically friendly and resource efficient

A structure is considered a “green building” if it meets the standards set within LEED, or the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

LEED is an internationally recognized third-party certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In the Philippines, there is a local rating that serves as a counterpart of the internationally recognized LEED certification. It is known as Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence, or BERDE, and was developed by the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC).

Green Buildings in the Philippines

Zuellig Building, MakatiIn 2013, Zuellig Building earned certification at the Platinum Level under the LEED Rating System for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Core and Shell)

Nuvali One EvotechAwarded LEED Silver Certification for featuring sustainable architecture. Its green building features include energy-efficient lighting, dual piping with use of gray water for landscape maintenance, a bike ramp, and sun baffles, among others.

Asian Development Bank HeadquartersThe building’s use of solar power via panels on it’s rooftop is testament to its commitment to efficient energy use and support for green growth in the country.

At present, the city of Taguig is recognized as the city with the most green buildings, with two recently receiving Gold LEED Certification.

The Mind MuseumSun Life Financial Headquarters

Net Lima Building, TaguigThe first certified green building under the BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) Green Building Rating System.

There are more green buildings existing in the Philippines, and even more LEED- and BERDE-certified projects expecting to be awarded and

subsequently built in the future.

Ultimately, the goal of green building is to ensure that the carbon footprint of the different structures are significantly reduced, if not

completely eliminated.

This would lead to the better preservation of the environment, improved health and safety of building occupants, and minimized

building maintenance and operation costs.