Climate change and environmental sustainability are hot topics today. One groundbreaking project in the Philippines focused on positively contributing to these issues is a project for the very first Net-Zero Community in the country. BillionBricks, a company leading the way to revolutionizing affordable housing through clean energy solutions, has recently showcased the Sienna Sun-Powered Homes in Iligan City, the first net-zero community in Mindanao complete with solar-powered roofs and battery for uninterrupted power

A Net-Zero Community is a model for future subdivisions that doesn’t only tackle affordable housing but also creates a meaningful fight against climate change. 

Ready to know more? Keep on reading! 

What is a Net-Zero Community?

A Net-Zero Community is one where the energy consumed is equal to the energy produced. Simply put, this project creates a balance between energy usage and generation. In our case, the BillionBricks Solar Home Community Project (“BB Project”) is achieved by making sure that every home is equipped with solar roofs. Yes, you read it right. We at BillionBricks are the number one fans of solar panels that generate more energy than the homes consume, turning the community into a mini solar farm. 

Of course, to avoid energy waste, the surplus energy is sold to third-party energy off-takers, and the revenue is shared with homeowners, reducing their housing costs.

What’s the vision behind the BillionBricks Solar Community?

Our vision goes beyond just providing affordable housing. BillionBricks aims to create self-sustaining communities that address energy needs while reducing costs. Thanks to solar power and fully carbon-neutral features, homes in this subdivision are 20% cheaper than traditional ones. 

What does life look like inside the BillionBricks Net-Zero Community?

Let’s cut to the chase and take a look at what’s life inside the BillionBricks Solar Home Community.

We have sustainable living spaces.

We can all agree that each home in a net-zero community is designed with sustainability at its core. The solar rooftops here provide renewable energy that you can’t get from traditional subdivisions in most areas in the Philippines. That said, residents can live comfortably without worrying about high electricity costs. 

To make matters more interesting, the homes are constructed with eco-friendly materials and efficient insulation so you get a cooler, well-ventilated space even when it’s summer time. 

In 2024, the country experienced a heat wave that caused dangerous levels of heat. News states that the temperature is almost 41 degrees Celsius, not much farther than the hottest temp ever recorded in the Philippines which is 42. Fortunately, this sustainable subdivision boasts green spaces, rainwater collection systems, and waste management practices that promote environmental responsibility. 

All in all, residents will enjoy a cooler space while also encouraged to engage in sustainable activities like growing their own food, reducing waste, and recycling.

So much economic benefits for homeowners

For many Filipinos, owning a home can be an impossible dream due to the high costs and limited access to traditional mortgages. However, the BillionBricks model offers a solution. Their homes generate extra energy, which helps lower your bills and even shares extra income with you. This makes owning a home cheaper, especially for low-income families. Plus, these houses have great cross-ventilation for fresh air, large doors and windows to let in natural light, and a front garden for growing food and plants.

The savings generated from energy production can help homeowners reduce their mortgage payments, enabling more people to qualify for home loans and make their dream of owning a home a reality. It’s a financial model that not only makes homes more affordable but also helps families achieve long-term economic stability.

In it to win a stronger community

The BillionBricks Solar Home Community is designed with a strong focus on social connectivity. We like to believe that if a space includes areas for small businesses, communal spaces for families to gather, and recreational areas, there are so much more than opportunities for neighbors to connect. 

What’s the environmental impact of the BillionBricks Solar Home Community?

Ah, the million-dollar question. With BillionBricks Solar Home Community, this sustainable subdivision is not just good for homeowners, but also great for the environment. 

You see, the project will offset 8,500 tons of CO2 annually when fully operational, making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change. And with each home designed to be carbon-negative after six years, this project will help to sequester more CO2 than it emits. Our focus is on sustainability and we believe that this focus is embedded in every aspect of this project. Nothing less, more to come. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are homeowners involved in the energy revenue-sharing model?

Homeowners benefit from the revenue generated by surplus energy produced by the solar panels on their roofs. The revenue is shared with them, helping to reduce their monthly housing costs without any additional investment.

2. Is the community designed with more than just energy savings in mind?

Yes! The community also focuses on sustainable living through green spaces, water management, and the promotion of eco-friendly habits, like gardening and waste reduction.

3. How does the solar energy system help homeowners qualify for mortgages?

The savings from energy production make the homes more affordable, improving the financial situation of homeowners. This unique model helps more people become eligible for mortgages, even those who might not qualify through traditional lending systems.

4. What makes this community carbon-negative over time?

The homes become carbon-negative after six years by producing more energy than they consume. Over the lifespan of each home (around 60 years), the total CO2 sequestered exceeds the emissions generated by the homes, contributing to climate action.

Final thoughts

The very first net-zero community in the Philippines from BillionBricks is a testament to a better future. The vision is clear: blending clean energy with affordable housing can create homes that not only lower energy costs, but also a more sustainable lifestyle for Filipinos. 

The life inside this sustainable solution can be seen as a chance to improve our communities, make living more affordable, and set a new standard for eco-friendly living in the country. For more information, contact us through hello@billionbricks.org or book a visit to the BillionBricks Experience Center to see our innovations first-hand.