The global climate crisis has heightened the need for industries across the board to adopt sustainable practices.
Real estate, for example, can significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change through the implementation of green building initiatives.
In the Philippines, the industry has taken substantial strides in incorporating sustainable features both in the planning and design of projects and their ongoing management and operation. True sustainability explores the core principles of systems thinking, the importance of policymaking in ensuring long-term sustainability, and the measurable efforts that developers in the country have made to manage their carbon footprint.
By adopting a systems thinking approach, developers can address the environmental challenges of real estate more comprehensively and effectively.
Systems thinking: A holistic approach to sustainability
Systems thinking is an integrated approach to understanding a system’s interrelated components and processes. In the context of real estate development, it refers to the recognition of the interconnectedness of a building’s design, construction, and operation and their collective impact on the environment. By adopting a systems thinking approach, developers can address the environmental challenges of real estate more comprehensively and effectively.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of sustainable development, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers the overall carbon footprint of a building. Developers can incorporate energy-efficient features into their projects by utilizing passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and daylighting, as well as employing energy-efficient building materials and technologies, such as LED lighting and high-performance insulation.
Developers can incorporate energy-efficient features into their projects by utilizing energy-efficient building materials and technologies.
Water conservation
Water conservation is another essential component of sustainable real estate development. Developers can implement water-saving measures in their projects by installing low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems, and by using native and drought-tolerant landscaping.
The incorporation of waste-to-energy systems in the design of buildings can significantly contribute to its sustainability.
Waste management
Proper waste management strategies also contribute significantly to a development’s overall sustainability. These can include the implementation of recycling and composting programs and the incorporation of waste-to-energy systems in the design of buildings.
Policy making
Policymaking is essential in promoting and maintaining sustainable practices in the industry. Governments and regulatory bodies have the power to set standards and guidelines that incentivize developers to adopt eco-friendly practices while ensuring that these measures are consistently implemented and maintained throughout a project’s life cycle.
Measurable efforts
In recent years, the Philippine real estate industry has witnessed a growing trend towards sustainable development, with numerous developers incorporating eco-friendly features and strategies into their projects.
Ultimately, the success of sustainable real estate development depends on the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders involved. By fostering a culture of sustainability that emphasizes environmental responsibility and long-term thinking, the real estate industry in the Philippines will continue making significant strides toward reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Source: Inquirer