Sustainable Options for Your First Building Project

Kenneth Umali

FOrewOrd

The Big Picture: what’s Going on Today 1

Acquainting Ourselves 2 Filipino Attitude 4

Starting Off: designing with Nature 6

recycling 8 Proper disposal 12

Passive Methods 13 Active Methods 19 Conservation 28

Indoor Air Quality 34

On renovation 36

reFereNCeS 38

table of contents

foreword To be able to affect change, you have to know what you can change first. For quite some time now, it has been the main concern of architects to design for sustainability in their commissions automatically. My goal, however, is to make you realize that “thinking green”, living for sustainability, usually starts with them, but it should start with you, their client.

This booklet is the ouput for my thesis, an advocacy to promote Filipino pref-erence for Green Architecture. It is a compilation of some “green” trends and methods, and it will introduce the possibilities to clients who can now afford to build their own building in the Philippines, be it commercial, residential, in-dustrial or institutional. The methods will help lessen resource depletion, energy consumption, waste production, and construction and utility costs even after the building is complete. These green techniques range from expensive installations to affordable upgrades; and this booklet will help the first-time client determine which methods are worth investing on.

This booklet is not a substitute for the professional judgment and decisions of actual architects, engineers and contractors. It won’t elaborate on the gritty, technical details of each method or technique. This is one student’s contribution to promote Green architecture in the Philippines. I am simply introducing the green options available for the building industry’s clientele and the corresponding benefits that come with them.

I also want to communicate to the first-time client that an environmentally responsible outlook should come from within, and Green architecture is one avenue to cultivate this standard of living. The process of planning your building itself to your lifestyle develops your foresight, allowing you to anticipate what you can contribute in the long run.

Think of this booklet as a starting point, or a guide, so to speak, that will point you towards the right direction. Acquaint yourself with Green Architecture, and from here, you can tell your architect or engineer what you want to happen.

Joseph Kenneth UmaliBFA Information designAteneo de Manila University

the big picturewhat’s Going on Today

Our highly industrialized, technologically-dependent way of life has left us with no choice but to consume the rest of the world for our own sake. Pollution, erosion, depletion, and Global warming have all resulted from our destructive activities.

Production and use of consumer goods and services use up irreplaceable resources and create harmful waste. Irresponsible disposal methods don’t help either. Despite it all, demand for natural resources continues to increase while natural supply decreases, and so expenses rise.

Humans have essential needs like food, water, and clothing, and efforts from all over the world are now looking for friendlier alter-natives to acquire them. Another human need that we cannot forego is shelter, but dire consequences arise as we fulfill it.

A building, whether institutional or residential, leaves behind a huge carbon footprint; the carbon emissions adding up from its con-struction up to its long-term operation. The irony is that shelter should provide us with healthy living conditions and protect us from the external environment. Instead, the building industry harms the environment, and it is just as harmful to humans too.

The current trends in construction and living practices have inconsiderately squandered our natural resources for the sake of taste, luxury or convenience. With the rate this is going, it won’t be long until we destroy everything that sustains us.

We have to be considerate of our planet. We must be in harmony with nature. We have to think green.

Green ArchitectureIt’s also known as ecological infrastructure, eco-techture, sustainable architecture, and sustainable building. To paraphrase Miguel Guerrero, FUAP, GAM, APeC architect, Green Architecture is an environmentally consid-erate approach that aims for the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources in architecture. The entire process of building is involved, from the design, resources and materials used, utilization of space, choice of furniture and appliances, and disposal methods. In short, it reduces a building’s carbon footprint (Guerrero). Ultimately, it is the building industry’s way of upholding sustainable development.

Sustainable Developmentdorothy Mackenzie, environmentalist and designer, quotes the Bruntland Commission’s definition of Sustainable Development as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Mackenzie, 10).The environmental crisis has prompted the appropriation of sustainable development in different avenues of life as much as possible.

acquainting ourselves

when environmentalism blossomed in europe in the 70s, it was being dismissed as a naive ideal, but now that the world looks worse than ever, it has become a practical concern. Let’s define the important concepts first before we get started.

Green BuildingGuerrero defines this as “the application of sustainable design to architecture” (Guerrero). It should have upheld certain environmen-tally responsible practices from its planning to its construction, and it should continue to do so until its long-term operation and maintenance. They are energy efficient, resource efficient, non-polluting, durable, and adaptable. Besides these functional cri-teria, they should be healthy, beautiful and comfortable (Guerrero). A building is also formally certified as “green” by its country’s Green rating system, like the LEED rating system in the USA.

2 | Think Green

What You’re Getting IntoGreen architecture is usually criticized on how the whole process is more expensive than a standard, traditional building. This is true, in fact, a Green building can be 15-20% more expensive, considering installations, investments and intellectual fees. What the client doesn’t realize, however, is that it is only more expensive initially. They would have saved resources and would have left a smaller carbon footprint. More importantly, they will definitely save more money in the long run. (Guerrero)

Acquainting Ourselves | 3

Setting it StraightPeople have misconceptions of the term “Green building”. When they hear that word, they think about highly advanced and expensive “eco-houses” with radical designs and innovations. It can’t be denied that some Green buildings have sophisticated technology, but it doesn’t have to follow a rigid criterion. You can already think green without spending too much for hardware. There are several possibilities, from the most advanced and expensive options, to free, natural and affordable methods. This booklet shall explore some of the options for the green thinking Filipino.

Beyond DefinitionsSustainable living is not just about the physical structure of the building, nor that of the green modifications you install. It is all about an environmentally responsible consciousness which permeates one’s life-style. Architects design your building in an environmentally considerate way, but living for sustainability should start from you. You should be the one to tell your architect or engineer that you want to “think green”.

filipino attitudeThe main issue that my thesis wishes to address is Filipino penchant for sustainable living. The “Green Revolution”, or environ-mentalism, has been going on since the 70’s, but at that time it was considered a radical ideology (Werthmann, 25). It all began in Germany, then it perpetuated to other developed countries. Now that more people all over the world are aware of the envi-ronmental crisis, sustainable living has been promoted and appropriated where it can be as much as possible.

In the USA, Chicago and Portland actively practice Green Architecture. In Singapore, a country closer to home, Green architecture is even required by law. Those countries already have credible and acclaimed green building rating systems, such as the LEED system in the USA and the Green Mark in Singapore. Unlike them, however, Filipino penchant and awareness for Green architecture is far behind in comparison (de Pablo). Home and building owners in the Philippines are just not as ardent.

Filipino Attitude | 5

Green Architecture is not completely absent in the Philippines though. Luna said that there have been small steps towards sustainable living in our country already, and he pointed out certain trends that prompted this. First is the impact of Climate change; unpredictable weather patterns that were intensified by pollution and plunder. Our own nation has been hit by flash floods, land slides, etc., all of which are affected by our depletion of nature. After the Ondoy tragedy, Filipinos now realize that nobody is exempted from this environmental crisis. Besides that, the global financial crisis has influenced every-one’s consumption of energy, materials and consumer products (Luna).

There are already a few efforts in the Phil-ippines for sustainability, but these are still in the budding stages. Architects and engi-neers automatically make it a point to design for the environment within the budget of their projects. Filipino socialites and celebrities who could afford to build Green have opted to do so (Luna). In an attempt to make this movement nationwide, the Berde rating system is being developed by the UAP-GAM and the Philippine Green Building Council for our country.

without a doubt, there is already support for green architecture in the Philippines, but this is just a small fraction of a nation that could do so much better.

Miguel Guerrero and Ayala Land Inc. chief architect Joel Luna both acknowledged that Filipinos have an innate sensibility to be attuned with the environment. Our colonial ancestors have shown this with the bahay kubo (Guerrero) and the bahay-na-bato in rural areas (Luna); we just don’t realize it nowadays. The reasons for this are cost, awareness, and lifestyle.

environmentally responsible alternatives are common in developed countries, but these concepts are new to Filipinos (Guerrero). Luna said that the higher initial cost of Green buildings also discourages clients, but some homebuyers who can afford to have started to think green (Luna). Nevertheless, most Filipinos are not aware of the possi-bilities while some don’t care about Green Architecture at all. They don’t want to com-promise the lifestyle they are accustomed to.

6 | Think Green

starting offdesigning with Nature

The earlier it is for you to “think green” in the construction process, the more you can save. Environmental responsibility must start at the very beginning: the designing stage. Your decisions at the design stage will have long term effects. Mackenzie posits that buildings can be designed to moderate energy consumption without its occupants being completely aware of it (Mackenzie). what my project asserts, however, is that you can be aware. The responsibility can come from you.

Before anything else, the environmental impact of a building should be prioritized over its aesthetic appeal and overall cost. Aesthetic beauty is possible, but it should not be the primary concern. Moreover, the design stage involves not only the construc-tion, it looks forward to the building’s day-to-day operation and maintenance once erected. That includes energy consumption, ventilation, furnishing, waste disposal, etc. (Luna). Your intial investments will go a long way, and not just for the sake of economics.

Starting Off: designing with Nature | 7

SiteGreen Architecture aims to ensure harmony between the existing natural environment and the built structure (Guerrero). The first thing you should do before beginning construction is to examine your building site. The architect will design responsibly, but you should be the one to initiate envi-ronmental responsibility. Assess how your building will directly or indirectly affect land, water, and plantlife. Make sure the land is used efficiently, and your building fits in with the current infrastructure. The way your structure is sited in relation to other buildings and to nature should be consid-ered (Mackenzie).

Save the TreesMinimize the destruction of existing plants and trees. The design of the structure should go along, around or in between vegetation. Plants or trees can be put between perfora-tions, or they could be fenced. If they really have to be moved, replant them in garden boxes or pots nearby. Plants are sources of life, oxygen, and are an integral part of the environment. Preserving vegetation would be good for the health of the occupants. Trees prevent soil erosion. They also give shade, which is a natural cooling method. Palm trees, which are common in the Philippines, are perfect examples for this (Guerrero).

recycle cement and stainless steel for the undersheath of your plant boxes. They are pest-resistant materials. You’ll lessen your expenses and chemical use (Connors).

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Once the plans have been finalized, the next consideration should be your construction materials. There is only so much of the virgin resources in the world we can consume, even less in the Philippines. We don’t have to wait for all of it to be depleted. That is why recycling building materials is important for the whole construction process. You save resources, time, and money. Recycling also reduces the building’s carbon footprint.You also lessen waste when a percentage, if not all, of the materials you use are recycled.

recycling is about being resourceful and open-minded. Recycling furniture is some-thing that people have done before. Chairs, tables and cabinets have been made from salvaged or recycled hardwood, driftwood, or fallen tree trunks. Ceramic tiles in your bathroom can be made of recycled ceramic content. Paper and cardboard are re-engi-neered to function as boxes, folders, con-tainers, etc. Recycling materials are projects that you can actually do by yourself, thus lessening your cost for labor, transportation, and buying new furniture.

recycling

The Choice is YoursManufacturing a certain material requires more energy than recycling it (Mackenzie). That is why choosing your construction materials is important for sustainability. What materials you use, how you extract them, how you use, dispose or recycle them, all count for something. You must de-termine and specify which materials were produced efficiently. Salvaged building mate-rials should be checked if they are reusable. Some parts of old, abandoned buildings can be dismantled, reused and redesigned for flooring, walls, doors, and even furniture.

recycling | 9

Closer to HomeAnother way to lessen costs is when you use locally obtained materials and resources. This will cut down on expenses for import, transportation and labor. Other than that, you will lower your carbon footprint. You would avoid the fossil fuel emmissions that your shipment would have produced had you imported.

Bamboodepleting virgin resources and rainforest wood products should be lessened, but the Philippines actually has a certain resource that we could afford to use, responsibly, that is. Bamboo, as Guerrero mentioned in his lecture, is a very abundant resource in the Philippines. It is very durable, adapt-able, recyclable, and we have so much of it. Bamboo can be used for furniture, shades, decorations, flooring and most importantly, it can be used to reinforce concrete. Bamboo is a good alternative for wire mesh. They can support a building’s frame or founda-tion perfectly well using its redundancy and resiliency (Guerrero).

Figure A. Bamboo-reinforced concrete

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Check the plywood floor that comes with the container van. It is hazardous to human health after being treated with a lot of pesticide. They must be eliminated and disposed of properly (Javellana).

Container VansThousands of container vans are just sent to junk yards after being used for import. They may have served their purpose on a cargo ship, but it is overlooked that container vans can be a source of potentially functional and recyclable material for construction.

They were originally built to be stacked on top of each other. They can withstand weather and heavy cargo, such as vehicles, piles of metal, etc. Given these characteristics, container vans should be considered as a viable, recyclable alternative for a building’s core structure.

recycling container vans is already being practiced in europe, where there is a lot of shipping. In the Philippines, there are already recycled container van buildings in places like Tarlac (Javellana). The problem most people might have with recycling container vans would just be an aesthetic issue, but if there is a will, there is a way. Designers like Peter De Maria have been able to design container van buildings that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can bank on the talent of your architect for that matter.

recycling | 11

A used container van costs around Php 10,000 to 40,000 depending on whether they have been imported or locally recycled. The standard height is at 12 ft, but there are variations in length. The 20x10 ft. vans are the ones best recycled for building. They can be cut for openings, windows and doors. They use the same paint finish for cars. They can be stacked on top each other to add floors using a similar stacking method in cargo ships (Javellana).

Figure B. A residential container van house

Stacking 3 vans and below only needs welding, but stacking more than 3 already requires a supportive frame. It’s safe to stack about 10 (Javellana).

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proper disposal

Green as you goAfter determining what will become of your wastage, you must dispose of them properly. Check your garbage bags for leaks. Know the credibility of your garbage collectors too. See if they make sure that biodegradable waste goes back to the earth, and non-bio-degradable trash are recycled or sent to the proper treatment facilities. Proper disposal and recycling are simple acts that contrib-ute to sustainable living. Keep in mind that these habits don’t stop at construction; you must think green everyday.

The green methods would have saved you money and lessened pollution and destruction, but producing waste is inevitable for the construction job. developed countries produce a billion tons of industrial waste each year, and an average household produces up to one ton of household waste (Mackenzie). There is still the matter of waste management, another stage that entails environmental responsibility.

The waste in your job-site should be minimized at around 2.5 pounds per square foot of the floor area. This can be done by recycling or reusing wood, drywall, metal and cardboard (Connors). After construction, the waste should be properly handled and examined if they are reusable or recyclable. If not, then they must be disposed of and segregated properly. Put all the biodegrad-able and non-biodegradable waste with each other. You can further segregate them as plastics, scrap metal, paper, organic waste, food waste, etc.

Most of the time, luxury has a price, but wouldn’t it be better if it is free? what would make it even better is if nature didn’t suffer for it. Passive methods are indispensable to Green architecture, and the next section will be about some of them. These methods utilize natural ventilation to give a building’s occupants free, natural comfort.They are best decided during the initial design plans and would be difficult, if not impossible, if they come in during the renovation stage.

Passive Methods

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Building OrientationThe most basic passive method to achieve natural ventilation is with the building’s orientations. This shows how important and conscientious the planning stage should be. The building’s placement in the site and the location of its windows can efficiently utilize the natural winds and sunlight. Its dimensions and overall shape also contribute to indoor conditions. There will be circumstances when the site itself will restrict the orientation of the structure. In that case, you can still utilize the natural factors with the proper placement and dimensions of the windows (Guerrero).

natural ventilationNatural ventilation is concerned with indoor air quality and comfort, and it can be achieved by several passive methods. They can give the same amount of comfort as any air conditioner would, and you don’t necessarily consume energy. If ever you still do, you consume less. Even so, your living space works with nature. It would be good for your health as well. You would depend less on artificial cooling or heating technology, lessening your consumption, expenses, and exposure to harmful chemicals like CFCs.

Know Your PlaceYour building can be designed to catch the wind in its natural direction, such as the Amihan and Habagat breezes, to achieve an efficient and natural air flow. That requires an initial research using the Windrose Diagram, that which gives data on the wind speed and direction of the site (Guerrero). In the city, you should also consider the topography, position of trees, mountains, and neighbouring buildings since they affect wind currents and temperature.

Passive Methods | 15

Large windows on the north side

Considering the sun’s position also gives natural ventilation and comfort. In our country, it is best for your building to have large windows on the north side of the structure. These windows would maximize the amount of natural light that enter and minimize the sun’s direct heat. East-West exposure should be minimal, and you must avoid windows on the West side. This side would be directly hit by the sun, including the heat. A solid wall or aptly shaded windows should face West (Guerrero).

The size of the windows is also essential. They can provide natural ventilation and better air flow, lessening your use of airconditioners. They also allow sufficient natural light to enter during the daytime (Guerrero). You would only have to turn on your lights at night, or when it starts to get dark, thus conserving electricity.

W

solid wall on the west side

Figure C. A residential building with passive green features

ample shade

It’s inevitable that heat will penetrate your building, but that can be remedied by common passive methods. The most basic option are vents, which could be located in your walls, the roof, near windows and doors. They help with the indoor flow of air. Arches are also a viable alternative. This an-cient roman architectural technique can be good for your structure’s support. It also allows air inside to flow more freely.

Wind TowersInstalling wind towers is a classic Persian architectural trend that has been used for many years. It is a passive technique that provides free and natural air cooling and is practically used in single-storey buildings. The design varies with each architect, but the method is standard. The breeze above ground enters the vents from all four sides of the tower, then an inner wall directs the air downward to the interior. They are best applied to buildings located in clean and quiet rural areas, the beach, and maybe in some private subdivisions.

Trees can also provide natural shade, but artificial sunshades are also a good passive option for heat and light. Vertical shades would be efficient (Guerrero). They come in plastic, but they could also be made of natural or recycled material. Try Bamboo shades, since we do have a lot of bamboo. They would be cheap yet effective.

greener options

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Figure D. An indoor court

ceiling opening

indoor pond

plants

Passive Methods | 17

Indoor CourtsAn indoor court (Figure d) is a designed interior space directly under an opening on your ceiling. Besides its aesthetic appeal, indoor courts allow a lot of natural light to enter your building. It also improves your indoor air flow. If your indoor court has a fountain or a pond, it can also provide the building with a natural cooling effect when the water evaporates (Guerrero).

Low-E WindowsLow-E (low-emissivity) glass windows have a microscopically thin, visually invisible metal layer applied on its surface. They are 15% more expensive than regular windows, but they considerably reduce the heat and UV radiation that enter. Less heat inside the building reduces the need for artificial cooling. Low-E glasses are costly since they are still being imported as of now, but some buildings in the Philippines already have Low-Es. It might not be long before they are locally manufactured though, so watch out for them.

Green RoofsGreen roofs are a commonly associated trend to green buildings. Some people hear the word “green building” and they imme-diately think of plants on the roof. That isn’t always the case, because there are other passive methods that are just overlooked.

Green roofs are actually criticized as un-necessary and expensive (Guerrero). The green roof is constantly exposed to rain, storms, and pollution, demanding constant maintenance and protection. You will need an efficient drainage system because stagnant water damages plants and reduces insulation capacity. For further protection, you also have to install a slope-stabilization net tied down by steel cables, and an erosion blanket laid over the soil (Werthmann).

Green roofs have their benefits nonethe-less. They provide better sound insulation, which is good for noise pollution. They’re also good insulators for heat. The plants absorb most of the carbon-dioxide, pollution and dust, which is why they would be good in urban areas. They also bring a biodiver-sity of plants, given that the plant species is compatible with the biome (Werthmann).

Green roofs are installed in high rise build-ings for garden space. Some residential homes install a green roof for protection from the sun and pollution, but it could be too expensive for one household. Its practi-cality still remains a debate (Guerrero), but in the end, you will be the one to determine if the benefits are worth the cost.

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Figure E. A single-storeyed building with a green roof

Active methods help conserve energy and resources; they can also harvest some for your building’s consumption. Unlike free passive methods, active methods involve hardware, mechanical components, and constant maintenance and operation, all of which demand expense. They can be ex-pensive up front, but these are options in which you invest to save. It requires fore-sight, since resources and money is saved in the long run. These modifications, how-ever, are not absolute requirements. There are many ways to live sustainably, but if you can afford active methods from the get-go, and you see their worth, then by all means, activate.

Active Methods

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Solar energy harvesting is an active method that harnesses the energy of the sun to convert it to electricity. It is a free, clean and renewable energy source. Fossil fuels and nuclear plants emit excessive carbon emissions, and thus solar energy appears as a healthier alternative. With an efficient solar harvesting system, your structure itself can produce a fraction of the energy it uses.The down side, however, is that the sun is free; the technology that harvests it is not.

solar panelsSolar power is a clean alternative, but it is very expensive to install a photovoltaic system whose harvest can efficiently realize the cost, that which is around Php 400,000 (Connors). PV Systems are common in developed countries already, but according to Guerrero, the Philippines isn’t ready for them yet (Guerrero). Some industrial build-ings and wealthy residential homes in our country have solar panels, but those are just a select few.

A Solar cell absorbs photons from the sun and converts them to electricity on an elec-tric circuit (Shaheen et al).

Figure F. A poly-crystalline photovoltaic module

Active Methods | 21

Thinking AheadA construction project would cost 30-40% more with photovoltaics (Guerrero).The technology is pretty farfetched for the masses as of now, but penchant for this would likely begin with the upper middle class clientele anyway. A few buildings in the Philippines have already installed them, and hopefully more would be able to in the future. There is hope of photovoltaic costs going down, as sustainability is now a worldwide concern. It may be just a matter of time. what you can do is prepare for solar cell prices to drop. Ask your architect to pre-design your building’s orientation, say facing South, and design slots in your roof for a probable installation.

Stay FlexibleA new type of solar cell is prevailing in the international market; thin-film photovoltaics. They have a flexible quality which adapts to a surface, and they are said to be cheaper.This technology has yet to reach the Philip-pines, but the wait may not be that long. There is also news of organic solar panels being developed. They would be cheaper and would have a longer lifetime (Shaheen et al). These are still in the research and developmental stages, but if successful, they would open up more avenues for solar energy harvesting.

Figure G. A residential house with a solar energy harvesting system

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Living in a tropical climate, Filipinos don’t really heat their bath and laundry water as much as other countries do. Some parts of the country do get cold though, and those who live in areas like Baguio, Tagaytay, or certain provinces use water heaters. Over a year, an 80 gallon (302-liter) electric water heater could release around 3000 kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere while consuming 4,800 kwh of electricity (Layton). Heating water adds up to your electric bill, and it wouldn’t hurt to find ways to save up on energy consumption.

Unlike photovoltaics that harvest sunlight for electricity, solar water heaters (Figure H) collects sunlight for heating water. This technology is not as expensive as solar panels. Solar heaters are also easier to install since your building doesn’t have to face south, just the hardware. Its still quite expensive, though. One unit can cost around Php 80,000, not counting installation and labor charges (Connors). Nevertheless, upgrad-ing your water-heating system with a solar heater reduces your bills and your building’s carbon footprint.

solar water heaters

Figure H. A solar water heater

A solar harvesting system that converts solar energy into electricity is expensive, but a system that will only convert sunlight into heat is a bit more affordable.

storage tank

solar collectors

A solar water heater is used together with a traditional heater. It is mainly comprised of a solar collector and a storage tank. The collector harvests the sunlight that heats the water in the tank. The water is then distributed from the storage tank to the build-ing with controls and pumps (Layton).

rotor blade

tower

shaft casing

wind turbinesAnother active method that can harvest renewable energy is the use of Wind turbines. wind is a clean and renewable energy source, and it doesn’t look like the world will run out of it. Like solar energy, though, wind is free but the technology is not.

Several wind turbines installed in large open fields make up a wind farm. A single large turbine system would cost around Php 300,000 and a wind farm requires several of them in about an acre of land space to efficiently produce electricity. The expenses would only seem practical for industrial and commercial purposes, but now there are small-scale turbines too.

Julia Layton discussed the wind harvesting process. When the kinetic energy of air causes the turbine blade to spin, an internal shaft and rotor spins as well, transferring the energy to an electric generator. This energy is transformed to electricity. Under ideal conditions, a small 10-kw-capacity turbine generates up to 16,000 kwh per year, and a typical household consumes about 10,000 kWh in a year. A typical large wind turbine (Figure I) can generate up to 1.8 MW of electricity per year, that which is enough for about 600 households (Layton).

Figure I. Large-Scale Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAwT)

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Wind Turbine DesignsThere are two primary designs: horizontal-axis, HAwT (Figure I) and vertical-axis, VAWT (Figure K). VAWTs are used for small-time energy generation, while HAWTs are com-mercially produced, utility-scale turbines. VAWTs are considered less efficient, but more affordable. They are used in urban areas. HAWTs produce more energy. They use a tower to elevate the turbines as high as 260 ft. which is the optimum level for wind speed. They also save ground space. There are now small-scale variants (Figure J) for both designs.

Figure K. Vertical-axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

Figure J. Small-scale Horizontal-axis wind Turbine (HAwT)

Wind in the PhilippinesOur country actually has a lot of potential for wind harvesting. A study in 1999 showed that over 10,000 square kilometres of land in the Northern and Central areas of the Philippines have levels of wind that could sufficiently generate power. There is po-tential to generate about 70,000 Mw of electricity, but Filipinos have not capitalized on this. By 1999, only nine wind turbine systems were operating, in Burgos and in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, with a capacity of 40MW and 2.5 MW respectively (Juanich).

Going SmallerIn November of 2009, the Business Mirror reports that wind turbines have been installed in industrial buildings in Marikina and Calabarzon. These are small-scale wind systems capable of generating 3 Kw of electricity per hour (Alimario). Going smaller, Guerrero said that there are now mini-turbines (Figure J) that are 1 meter in diameter (Guerrero), and these could be more affordable for private or urban use.

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rainwater harvestingBesides electricity, clean water is another need that we consume every day, and just like any other natural resource, water should be used responsibly. To do so, all we need to do is look up at the rain. Rainwater provides free recyclable water that can be used for non-drinking purposes. Rain water harvesting is a green method that recycles rainwater to lessen your water consumption and water bills. With a little investment, and after following a few health precautions, rain water harvesting is good to go.

Countries like Germany and Japan give out monetary incentives to buildings with rainwater harvesting systems. As a tropical country, the Philippines often experiences rainfall, so capturing rain water won’t be a problem. It is actually a rising green trend in the Philippines, but it wouldn’t hurt if more people did it.

Harvested rainwater can be used for your garden, cleaning your car, windows, drive-way, etc. A more advanced system recycles rainwater for flushing toilets. Keep in mind, however, that rainwater has made contact with chemicals from your roof, pollution from cars and factories and, possibly, organic waste from birds or insects. It is not really meant for drinking, though it can be potable only after proper filtration and treatment. (elliot)

Recycling Rainrainwater harvesting can be made up of simply just a Php 500 barrel put directly below a downspout, or a sophisticated and expensive installation with filters and pumps. This depends on how much rainwa-ter you want to recycle and how you want to recycle it. They can be installed in resi-dential homes and industrial buildings. In your neighbourhood, consuming less from the municipal water supply saves a lot. It can save expansion and maintenance costs.

roof (catchment area)

Figure L. An underground rain water harvesting system

downspout

filter

overflow

underground cistern

pump controls

tank lid

Up or Under?A sophisticated rainwater system above ground is easy to maintain, but it takes up backyard or garden space. An underground system (Figure L) is more space efficient but also more expensive because of installation and maintenance costs. Whichever type you opt for, it will still require maintenance. That means cleaning gutters and the cistern, periodic replacement of the filter and con-stant inspection of pipes. You should also test the water regularly to be sure (Ersson).

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Pouring DownYour roof functions as the water catchment area, and the rainwater running down the gutter goes straight to the barrel. An inch of rainfall on a 93 square meter roof can collect around 600 gallons of water. Think-ing long term, a 1200 square foot roof can collect 27,000 gallons of water per year.

Active Methods | 27

gray water recyclingInstead of wasting clean and unused water, gray water can be recycled to water gardens and flush toilets. There are nutrients in gray water that can be good for plant life and soil, like nitrogen and phosphorous from soap, and potassium from food waste. You have to avoid storing gray water for a long time though, because it can be contaminated if it becomes stagnant.

The basic gray water system recycles for irrigation and gardening use, but a more advanced system can recycle gray water for flushing toilets. These systems would mean expenses again, but recycling gray water lowers your water consumption and your sewage bills nonetheless. (Lamb)

Gray water recycling is the process by which households recycle gray water for other uses instead of just piping it straight to the sewers (Lamb). It is more common for residential houses, but other buildings with gardens may also opt for this.

280 gallons of water are wasted every day with every use of your shower, bathtub, faucet, or washing machine. Gray water is the waste water from these, and just like harvested rainwater, gray water isn’t safe for drinking. They may contain chemical waste from soaps, detergents, or organic waste like food, hair and flakes of skin, but other than the sanitary factor, gray water can be used for gardening.

ConservationThe green trends and methods previously mentioned all contribute to Conservation; from electricity, water, resources used, etc. Green architecture nurtures a mindset bent on conservation, a conscious effort to use up only what you really need and avoid squandered excesses. You can only do so much by yourself, but of course, Green architecture gives you more options that can help conserve. Unlike the passive methods, the following green options are applicable to any kind of building, and they can come in during a retrofitting or renovation stage.

Pipe chases To conserve on resources, the installation of Pipe chases (Figure M) is very effective for your built structure. These are slats on the walls of your house which slide like wall cabinets, giving you immediate access to exposed pipes. This is an efficient way to lessen spending and to conserve resources, since you don’t have to destroy and fix your wall every time you check up on your pipe system (Guerrero).

Ceiling FansThis traditional part of the household is an adaptable alternative for conserving electricity. Ceiling fans, especially when they are big and slow-moving, are very good for your indoor air-flow. They can be installed in commercial and institutional buildings too. They are excellent for venti-lation, and they circulate natural air efficiently (Guerrero). Theyr’e even better because they don’t emit hazardous chemicals.

Conservation | 29

exposed pipes

Figure M. an open pipe chase

wall slat

L.E.D. lightsLED Lights, Light emitting diodes, are a feasible new alternative for your building’s light fixtures. They produce as much light as fluorescent or incandescent lights for less energy, and their lifespan is longer. LEDs have already been used in celphones, car lights, traffic lights, and street lights, to name a few. This technology has moved forward since LED bulbs for home and industrial use are now more common.

LED bulbs emit as much as a 60-watt incandescent bulb does using only 7.5 watts. It reduces energy consumption and produces much less heat than incandescent or CFLs. An LED can last 10-20 years, or 50,000 hours; definitely longer than an incandescent light that lasts 750 hours. The cost can turn the consumer away though. A 60-watt LED light from Europe costs around Php 6,000, but they last longer and they save electricity in the long run (Layton).

Coming to LightLEDs are mainly manufactured in Europe, and it is expensive to import them. Lately, however, cheaper LEDs are being manufac-tured in China, but their quality as com-pared to European LEDs still remains in question. LEDs from China cost Php 130 per bulb when sold here, but it would take 6 of those bulbs to produce the same amount of light one halogen does (Javellana). There is a different LED bulb from China that is said to have a better performance, but that would cost Php 700, and its quality is still something to be monitored too.

Test of Timerecently, the Ateneo de Manila High School has switched most of their lights in their campus to LEDs. It was said that they have saved 40% of the electricity they consume after the installations. They are still waiting to see if the LEDs really do outlast other options considerably (Javellana).

30 | Think Green

Conservation | 31

we use up water every day to clean dishes, take a bath, flush the toilet, or simply wash our face and hands every once in a while. The most basic way to save gallons of water a day is by fixing leaks in your faucets and pipes. Another way is by installing low-flow faucets and shower-heads, in your bathroom and kitchen.

You can buy completely new low-flow fixtures, or you can upgrade existing ones with flow reducers. Flow reducers can be bought separately, and they fit right into the tip of your faucet or showerhead. Low-flow fixtures save up to 40% of your daily water consumption, and you would hardly notice the difference with every regular use (Build It Green).

flow reducers

half-flush for liquid waste

full-flush for solid waste

Besides using water, another human need that we cannot forego is to address the body’s excretory system. Even in disposal, our way of life uses up other resources, and we use up clean water to dispose of our organic waste.

Conventional toilet bowls use 19 liters (5 gallons) of clean water with each flush. They use a siphoning method to dispose of excretions. This method wastes a lot of water just to flush the waste and whirl it down the drain.

dual-flush toilets

Figure N. A duak-flush toilet seat with a dual-flush button

A Dual flush toilet has a dual-flush button (Figure N). It uses about 3 liters to flush liquid waste and around 6 liters for solid waste. This is because Dual-flush toilets do not use a siphoning method, and instead, they have a wider trapway (the hole at the bottom of the bowl) and a wash-down flush method that pushes the waste down.

That wider trapway lessens clogging, thus reducing expenses for plumbing and main-tenance. Nonetheless, dual-flush toilets are more expensive than traditional toilet bowls, but with the half-flush option for liquid waste, you can save up to 68% more water than a conventional toilet (Elliot).

32 | Think Green

waterless urinalswaterless urinals are a great alternative for water conservation. An ordinary urinal uses 1 to 3 gallons of fresh water per flush, while a waterless urinal eliminates that wastage of water. This means that a building with 1,000 men can save up to 1.56 million gallons of water every year (Venkatraman).

These no-flush urinals have a biodegradable sealant that is lighter than water, like oil or alcohol. This sealant floats on top of a traditional water-filled drain and acts as a one-way seal layer that allows urine to flow through but blocks the sewer gases so it won’t come back up.

waterless urinals also eliminate the hazard of sprayed residue that makes its way to the toilet rim and the restroom floor. This is good for your indoor-air quality because microorganisms are denied of their breeding ground (Venkatraman).

These urinals would cost around Php 8,000-10,000 which is definitely more expensive than conventional urinals. In the end, how-ever, you will reduce your overall water consumption and operating costs.

Conservation | 33

indoor air qualityMonitoring the indoor-air quality of your building is an important green technique. It is all about protecting the health of the building’s regular occupants, and to do so, you must develop awareness and critical thinking. You have to check for biological contaminants like mold, dust or mildew in overlooked spaces (Guerrero). You also have to check for harmful chemical emissions coming from the things you have inside.

Indoor Air Quality stresses the importance of foresight and resilience. That is why the design stage is important, as you should have anticipated the building’s ventilation system, day-to-day operation, and disposal methods. They all contribute to indoor air quality. Natural ventilation and passive methods are vital since they can lessen your dependence on artificial luxuries that silently bring health hazards. You can also reduce health risks from the beginning by determining the right materials with the least amount of toxic chemicals.

Health HazardsIt is important to check for hazardous chemicals that may be present in your household. Fortunately, asbestos, which is cancerous, is now prohibited from building practices, and lead in paints are reduced or taken out, but there are still products that contain harmful chemicals. Other chemicals to watch out for are allergens like epoxy, acrylic resins, fungicides and formaldehydes. They can trigger asthma, skin problems, or fever (Connors). Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, are used in insulation materials, air-conditioning and fire protection equipment.

Proper VentilationAir-conditioning emits CFCs, but the Filipino lifestyle can’t seem to do without them. An effective ventilation system will lessen your dependence on artificial cooling. It will also lower the risks of toxic chemical emissions from furniture, construction materials, and paint. Certain lifestyles have unsuspectingly exposed us to health hazards, and Green architecture teaches you to be more aware and critical of the things you bring into your dwelling space.

34 | Think Green

painting safeBesides its aesthetic function, paint protects your structure’s indoor and outdoor surfaces. They also affect your building’s ambience and comfort. When it comes to indoor air quality, however, the paint you use is a very critical consideration.

The usual household paint contains around 10,000 different chemicals, 300 of which are toxins, and 150 are cancerous. These harmful chemicals are Volatile-Organic Compounds, or VOCs. VOC emissions are highest during and immediately after painting, but they will continue to seep out years after (Horton). They can be very hazardous when airborne. They cause nausea, eye irritation, breathing problems, and even cancer.

Natural or Organic PaintNatural paints are healthier, but less efficient options. They‘re based on natural materials like clay, linseed oil, chalk, or lime. Organic options are milk-based and soy-based paint, which make use of a processed milk protein. There is also mineral based paint, like “water glass.” Natural paints have reduced VOC levels considerably but they still contain harmful chemicals. They can be 20-80% more expensive than regular paint, but that is an investment for the good of your health.

Low or No VOC Paintwhen choosing paint, the safer alternative are low or no VOC paints. VOCs used to be considered as essential to paint adherence, but health issues outweighed this. Oil-based solvents have a high-VOC content, and so Low or No VOC paints use water-based solvents to be more environmentally safe. Low/No VOCs also try to avoid a long list of toxic chemical compounds such as carcinogens, toxins and air pollutants. Be sure to check the VOC level of your paint before buying them (Horton).

Low-VOC paints and other paint al-ternatives are healthier, but might not adhere as good as regular paint because they are less “volatile.” There are also lesser color options since dark colors have more chemicals (Horton).

Indoor Air Quality | 35

on renovationThe methods and trends I discussed are not strict requirements for a green building. They’re just attainable options from a set of possibilities. If you weren’t able to include a specific trend at the design stage, but you would want to somewhere down the road, you could always renovate or retrofit. Some of the methods, however, like the building orientation and window location, would be difficult, if not impossible, to come in as upgrades. I believe it’s never too late to think green, though, and Guerrero discusses certain questions you have to ask.

Why Renovate?People with existing homes or buildings become compelled to think green because of certain reasons. They could renovate out of necessity, or if the building will experi-ence a change of occupants or a change of function. The number of people who will use it or how they would use the building all affect your decision. Another reason may be compliance with the law (Guerrero). Some countries like Singapore actually require Green infrastructures. The Philippines currently does not, but with the Berde rating system being developed, that may change soon. Lastly, some may choose to retrofit because of an authentic desire and capability to think green.

Other Considerationsregardless of your reasons, you have to determine if it is more efficient to retrofit your existing building or build a completely new structure. How old it is and how much it has degraded influences your decision, since renovating a building that could give in after a few more years is a waste of resources. You must also evaluate if your building’s design, function, and quality is already outdated. Assess the indoor air quality; check for leaks, air infiltration, and VOC emissions. Re-examine the efficiency and reliability of your installations and fix-tures if you can retrofit, or if you have to buy new ones. All these factors affect your building’s current operating costs and the efficiency of your energy usage (Guerrero).

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When you decide to renovate or retrofit, compute how much electricity and water you will consume and how much it will cost, then look at the labor and equipment cost. You also have to consider the climate and site data of your building. Your installments should correspond with certain factors like the site’s solar path, temperature, rainfall frequency, wind currents, etc. Buildings in an urban setting should also take into account air quality, noise, and if the wind is affected by adjacent buildings (Guerrero).

even during renovation, an environmentally responsible consciousness still comes into play. Once you do learn that it will be more efficient to build a new Green building out of scratch, feel free to turn this booklet back to page one.

On renovation | 37

2004-Home Remodeling: Green Building Guidelines. Build It Green. Sept. 13, 2009 <www.buildit green.org/.../GreenPoint%20Rated/Guidelines.../2004-Remodeling-Guidelines.pdf>.

Connors, Tiffany. “Greening Up’ Techniques”. Howstuffworks. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://home.howstuff works.com/home-improvement/energy-efficiency/leed-certification2.htm>.

Cuito, Aurora, ed. eco-techture: Bioclimatic trends and landscape Architecture in the Year 2001. Spain: Loft Publications, 2000.

De Pablo, Rhia. “RP lags behind other nations in green architecture practice”. June 8, 2009. The Philip pine Star. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=475462&publicationSub CategoryId=108>.

Elliot, Sara. “How Dual Flush Toilets Work.” Howstuffworks. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://home.howstuff works.com/dual-flush-toilet1.htm>.

Elliot, Sara. “Water Harvesting.” Howstuffworks. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://home.howstuffworks.com/ home-improvement/energy-efficiency/rain-barrel2.htm>.

Guerrero, Miguel. Lecture. Manilacon 09: Green Architecture Symposium. SMX, Mall of Asia Com plex, Pasay City, Sept. 6, 2009.

Guerrero, Miguel. “Re: On Filipino penchant for Green Architecture”. E-mail to Miguel Guerrero, FUAP, APEC Architect, AssocAIA, GreenAP. Dec. 17, 2009.

Horton, Jennifer. “How Low VOC Paint works.” Howstuffworks. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://home.howstuff works.com/low-voc-paint.htm>.

Javellana, Rene. Personal Interview. Dec. 2, 2009.

Juanich, Erick “Wind Energy - Philippines.” 24 Aug. 2009. ezine Articles. 13 Dec. 2009 <http:// ezinearticles.com/?Wind-Energy---Philippines&id=2814188>.

Lamb, Robert. “How Gray Water Reclamation Works.” Howstuffworks. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://science. howstuffworks.com/gray-water-reclamation.htm>.

references

38 | Think Green

Layton, Julia. “How LED Light Bulbs Work.” Howstuffworks. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://science.howstuff works.com/earth/green-technology/sustainable/home/led-light-bulb2.htm>.

“Low-emissivity (Low-e) Glass.”.The worlds of david darling. Dec. 21, 2009. <http://www.daviddar ling.info/encyclopedia/L/AE_low_emissivity_glass.html>

Luna, Joel. “Re: on Filipino penchant for Green Architecture.” E-mail to Joel Luna, Ayala Land Inc. Chief architect. Dec. 25, 2009.

Mackenzie, Dorothy. design for the environment. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 1991.

Shaheen, Ginley, and Ghassan E. Jabbour. “Organic-based Photovoltaics: Towards Low-Cost Power Generation.” MrS Bulletin. Oct. 31, 2009 < www.mrs.org/publications/bulletin>.

Venkatraman, Vijaysree. “Waterless Urinals: Cheap. Green. But many think ‘gross’”. March 19, 2009. The Christian Science Monitor. Dec. 1, 2009 <http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/03/19/waterless-urinals-cheap-green-but-many-think-%E2%80%98gross%E2%80%99/>.

Werthmann, Christian, ed. Green Roof- A Case Study: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associate’s Design for the Headquarters of the American Society of Landscape Architects. New York: Princeton Archi-tectural Press, 2007.

references | 39

thinkgreenph.multiply.com

This booklet is part of an advocacy that promotes Filipino preference

for Green Architecture. It is a compilation of some “green” trends and

methods, and it will introduce the possibilities to clients who can now

afford to build their own building in the Philippines, be it residential,

industrial, institutional or commercial.

The methods will help lessen resource depletion, energy consumption,

waste production, and construction and utility costs even after the

building is complete. These green techniques range from expensive

installations to affordable upgrades; and the booklet will help the first-

time client determine which of those methods are worth investing on.

This booklet is not a substitute for the professional judgment or decision

of actual architects, engineers and contractors. It will not elaborate

on the gritty, technical details of each method or technique. This is

just one student’s contribution in promoting Green architecture in the

Philippines. I am simply introducing the green options available for the

building industry’s clientele and the corresponding benefits that come

with them.

If you already know a little about Green Architecture, but would want

to learn a bit more, then this booklet is for you.

email me at:jkukenneth@yahoo.com