By Rhema Vinoya, Jekelyn Nisola

Firms worldwide are becoming more environmentally aware and responsible. The overall impact of their buildings to people and to the environment is now an important consideration.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) commenced LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in America in 2000 and has become the worldwide criterion for green building certification. The LEED certification on a building is a mark of quality and achievement in green buildings. It provides an independent verification of a building or a neighborhood’s green features, which also evaluates the building’s design, construction, operation, and maintenance of resource–efficient, high-performing, healthy, and cost-effective buildings.

Buildings can qualify for four levels of LEED Certifications: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum in the evaluation of the following areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, indoor environmental quality, and design innovation.

Some Philippine buildings have already achieved LEED Certifications. Below is a partial list:

1. Arya Residences

Lot 4-1, McKinley Parkway, BGC, Taguig City

This two-tower condominium complex was awarded a LEED Gold certification in 2016. Its environment-friendly features include:

• Use of local vegetation that needs less maintenance and water usage
• Water-conscious landscape design
• Energy-efficient appliances and systems
• Use of low VOC (Volatile Organic Content) paints and sealants
• Use of low-flow, low-flush fixtures
• Use of high-quality, eco-friendly sustainable materials
• Bicycle racks for cyclists
• Every unit allows a better air circulation, abundant natural light, noise proof walls

LEED BD+C: New Construction (v2.2)  | Score: 43/69

2. Citi Plaza

34^th Street, Taguig City

This building was awarded a LEED Platinum certification in November 2017, earning high points for the use of green power, optimized lighting power, and innovation in design, among others.

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell (v2009)  | Score: 82/110

3. Union Bank, Olongapo branch

87 Magsaysay Drive, East Tapinac, Olongapo

Awarded the LEED Platinum certification in February 2017, the building received high points for sustainability, water efficiency, and innovation. Some of its green features are:

• Rainwater catchment used for flushing toilets and roof deck garden irrigation
• Bicycle racks for employees
• Occupancy sensors for its AC, lighting, and water fixtures
• Solar roof panels

4. Unilever Bayanihan Project

Stop Over Building, 31^st Street, Taguig City

Obtaining LEED Platinum certification in March 2017, the building received top points for energy savings, sustainability, and water efficiency. Its green features include:

• Quality views for 90% of occupied space
• Daylight for 75% of occupied space
• 90% use of Energy Star equipment

LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors v3 – LEED 2009  | Score: 88/110

5. Zuellig Building

Makati Ave. corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

This was one of the first buildings in the Philippines to obtain a LEED certification: first at Gold level in 2009, then at Platinum level in 2013. Some of the building’s green features are:

• Pedestrian-friendly location and amenities
• Innovative all-glass façade using low emissivity coating, which minimizes heat while maximizing sunlight
• Stormwater collection
• Innovative wastewater systems
• Use of regional materials

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell (v2.0)  | Score: 45/62

6. Texas Instruments Philippines Clark

West Industrial State, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

This facility’s Gold certification in 2010 came on the heels of the Silver certification obtained by Texas Instruments Philippines’ facility in Baguio in 2009, the first-ever to be awarded to any Philippine building. Some of Texas Instruments Philippines Clark’s green features are:

• Reflective roof with a section of vegetative roofing to reduce heat and water runoff
• Automated lighting system with sensors to take advantage of daylight
• Use of desiccant wheel air cooling system to provide dehumidified cooled air; this system uses water as a refrigerant and is regenerated using waste heat.
• More than 96% of the construction waste is recycled
• Use of reclaimed water for flushing

LEED BD+C: New Construction v2 – LEED 2.2  | Score: 39/69

7. Pioneer House CDO

Don Apolinar Velez Street corner Mabini Street, Cagayan de Oro

LEED Platinum certified since 2015, this seven-story building features the following:

• Energy-saving elevators
• Fuel-saving generators with noise suppressors
• Shower facilities for employees/tenants who cycle or walk to work
• 100% LED lighting

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell v3 – LEED 2009  | Score: 83/110

8. Bench Tower

30^th Street corner Rizal Drive, The Fort, Taguig City

LEED Gold certified since 2016, this building’s green features include:

• Low-E double glass wall
• LED and CFL lighting
• Low-water flushing systems
• Green pockets

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell v3 – LEED 2009  | Score: 61/110

9. Wells Fargo Center (Buildings A, B, C)

Taguig City

LEED Platinum certified since October 2014, these three 5-story buildings have the following noteworthy sustainable features:

• 45% less water usage than standard buildings by providing water-efficient plumbing fixtures
• Exterior landscape does not use potable water for irrigating plants and vegetation
• Its wide-glass architecture infiltrates natural light into the building by installing double glazed gas-filled insulated (Low-E) glass, which reflects the sun’s heat away from the building.
• Its construction materials contained more than 30 percent recycled content; this building also earned a bonus point by using over 30 percent of locally available materials.
• Innovative indoor air quality features, including the provision of CO2 sensors, which  ensures fresh air delivery to the building’s occupants
• Use of low emitting paints and materials throughout the interior spaces

LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors (v2009)  | Score: 84/110