5 Sustainable Housing Practices Filipinos Should Continue in 2024
Discover sustainable housing practices that Filipinos should continue in 2024. Learn about renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, green spaces, eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction for a sustainable future.
Photo: Freepik
A new year has emerged but there are things we left in 2023 that are still necessary to practice for 2024. Fortunately, Filipinos have five sustainable housing practices that could benefit you for the coming years.
Embracing Sustainable Housing in the Philippines: A Path to a Greener Future
The importance of sustainable housing practices in the Philippines cannot be overstated as it lies in the intersection of affordability, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Amid the growing global concern for climate change and its devastating impacts on the environment, sustainable housing has come to the forefront in recent years.
In recent years, we have seen a growing adoption of eco-friendly materials and practices in Philippine residential construction, thanks to the combined efforts of architectural communities and environmental advocacy groups. While challenges remain, these efforts are paving the way for a more sustainable future for Philippine housing.
Here are five sustainable practices that we believe Filipinos should consistently embrace and uphold for the benefit of the communities and the environment.
1) Harnessing the Power of Renewable Energy
PHOTO: Freepik
One key sustainable housing practice gaining traction in the Philippines is the harnessing of renewable energy. The adoption of solar panels for residential electricity needs is becoming increasingly popular, as more Filipinos recognize the value of a cleaner and more sustainable energy source. Alongside solar power, options like wind and geothermal energy are being further explored to cut emissions, provide the public with reliable and affordable energy services, spur economic growth, and protect public health and the environment.
Utilizing renewable energy sources not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also lowers monthly electricity bills, making it a practical investment for Filipino households. By diminishing reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels, Filipinos can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and commit to a more sustainable future.
2)Making Every Drop Count: Rainwater Harvesting and Water Efficiency
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in the Philippines, and adopting sustainable water management systems is fundamental for resource conservation. Rainwater harvesting systems are a viable solution, as they collect and store rainwater for later use in daily household chores, such as watering plants and flushing toilets.
Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Marcos Barba pushed for the construction of rainwater harvesting facilities on all development projects nationwide to help address the emerging water crisis.
House Bill (HB) 2412 is an act mandating the establishment and maintenance of rainwater harvesting facilities on new public and private commercial, institutional, and residential developments to reduce flooding and help conserve potable water. The bill once passed will greatly benefit Filipinos nationwide as it seeks to address ongoing water shortages. Backing this move, local government units in Ilocos Norte have started to build more rainwater harvesting facilities to mitigate the impact of climate change.
In addition to rainwater harvesting, using water-efficient appliances and fixtures contributes to more sustainable water consumption. Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets are some options that support water conservation at home.
Educating Filipinos on the importance of water conservation and urging them to monitor their usage also ensures that the country's precious water resources are used responsibly.
3) Turning Philippine Homes Green: Incorporating Gardens and Green Spaces
PHOTO: Freepik
Incorporating green spaces, like home gardens and green roofs, into residential living areas is another sustainable housing practice that offers numerous benefits. A thriving green space can enhance the aesthetics of a home, while also providing a natural habitat for various plant and wildlife species, promoting biodiversity.
Furthermore, cleverly implemented green spaces can improve air quality by reducing pollution and mitigate urban heat island effects, making homes more comfortable during hot seasons. Tending to home gardens can contribute to local food production, food security, and promote healthier eating habits.
In the Philippines, vertical gardening has increasingly become more common with various residential buildings incorporating vertical gardens into their design. Green spaces in urban areas, including home gardens and community green projects, play a crucial role in enhancing air quality by absorbing pollutants and cooling cities to counteract the urban heat island effect.
This makes homes more comfortable in warmer seasons. Beyond personal gardens, urban gardens initiated by individuals or community groups emphasize organic gardening practices, contributing to local food production and security.
These efforts support healthier eating habits by providing fresh, locally-grown produce. The involvement in organic urban gardening projects fosters a community spirit, encourages sustainable living, and promotes environmental stewardship among urban residents.
By producing their own food, Filipino families can secure access to fresh produce free from agrochemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. This practice also minimizes the environmental impact associated with transporting food over long distances. Additionally, growing native plants also preserves the rich flora of the Philippines and nourishes the native ecosystem.
4) Building a Sustainable Future: Energy-Efficient Materials and Design
Utilizing native, eco-friendly, and sustainable construction materials is essential for lasting environmental benefits and resource conservation. For example, bamboo, a locally available resource in the Philippines, is an excellent sustainable construction material due to its rapid growth, strength, and durability.
In the Philippines, sustainable construction materials like bamboo are pivotal for environmental conservation. Bamboo is valued for its quick growth and durability, offering a sustainable alternative for construction.
Organizations and green building certifications, such as the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI) and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE), promote sustainable practices in the Philippines, encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. Projects like Arya Residences and De La Salle University's Henry Sy Jr. Hall exemplifies these practices through their LEED and BERDE certifications, respectively.
The shift towards green technology includes adopting sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled steel, and reclaimed wood, alongside energy-efficient designs to reduce the environmental impact. These initiatives underscore a commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the construction sector.
Combining the use of local, sustainable materials with passive design techniques can achieve optimal energy efficiency in homes. Passive design principles allow for natural ventilation and lighting, reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial light sources.
Integrating thermal insulation into homes further conserves energy by maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, making the indoor environment more comfortable and reducing energy consumption.
5) Towards a Zero-Waste Philippines: Waste Reduction and Recycling
Responsible waste management is also an integral part of sustainable housing practices. Employing techniques to minimize construction and household waste and encouraging recycling and upcycling initiatives are essential to achieving a greener future.
Green building guidelines, like the Philippine Green Building Code, set relevant standards and principles to guide designers and builders in constructing environmentally responsible homes. Household waste reduction can likewise be achieved through careful meal planning, proper food storage, and incorporating reusable items rather than single-use disposables.
Lastly, community-based programs and initiatives aimed at waste management and sustainability can provide citizens with the tools, knowledge, and resources to make informed choices, championing lasting environmental change in the Philippines.
Pioneering a Greener Path: The Road Ahead for Sustainable Living in the Philippines
The sustainable housing practices discussed in this article pave the way for a greener, more environmentally friendly, and resilient nation. By continuing to invest in renewable energy sources, water efficiency, green spaces, energy-efficient materials, and waste reduction initiatives, Filipinos can demonstrate a firm commitment to living sustainably.
As we continue to strive for a net-zero lifestyle through responsible choices and sustainable architecture, the Philippines can secure a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.
BillionBricks builds net-zero homes that are energy-efficient, self-sustaining, and affordable. If you have a project in mind or would like to use our home designs, we would love to hear about it and explore ways to work together. You may contact us here.
If you're passionate about sustainable living in the Philippines and want to learn more, we recommend you dive into our article that's filled with valuable insights. Take a look at Real Estate Trends in the Philippines: What Buyers Need to Know in 2024.
Resources:
Princess Catherine Pabellano. Exploring Philippine's Progress in Solar Energy Adoption. Retrieved from https://billionbricks.org/updates/exploring-philippines-progress-in-solar-energy-adoption?rq=solar%20energy%20in%20the%20philippines
Department of Energy. Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040. Retrieved from https://www.doe.gov.ph/pep
Chris Maxwell-Gaines. What are the Benefits and Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting? Retrieved from https://www.watercache.com/faqs/rainwater-harvesting-benefits
Krees de Guia. Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens: Reimagining Urban Housing in SEA. Retrieved from https://billionbricks.org/updates/green-roofs-and-vertical-gardens-reimagining-urban-housing-in-sea?rq=green%20spaces
Maria Fe V. Adier et. al. Bamboo as Sustainable Building Materials: A Systematic Review of Properties, Treatment Methods, and Standards. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/13/10/2449
Pragra Sharma. What are Passive Design Strategies & Their Importance in Architecture - 2024. Retrieved from https://www.novatr.com/blog/passive-design-strategies-in-architecture
DPWH. Philippine Green Building Code. Retrieved from https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/sites/default/files/laws_codes_orders/PgbcBooklet23March.pdf
Philippine News Agency. Construction of rainwater harvesting facilities pushed in House. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202681
