INDUSTRY experts said the current construction boom in the Philippines signals the growing trend of green architecture given the wide use of glass products for various development projects nationwide.
“Green architecture creates efficient energy use in buildings by maximizing natural daylight and offering better visibility, improved thermal and indoor comfort,” said Edgar Sabidong, board member of Philippine Green Building Council (PhilGBC).
“With investors, developers, and tenants considering environment design, energy management practices and green architecture certifications in assessing the value of a business property, glass has become a reliable construction material due to its energy efficient properties,” added Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines Inc. National President Renato R. Ermita.
Statistics showed that the total number of construction permits in the country increased by 11.23 percent, to 32,729 in the second quarter of 2014 from 29,424 in the same period last year.
The expansion of multinational companies operating locally and the sustained vibrance of the outsourcing sector drove such growth.
Demand for construction of new office space is expected to continue as the latter has set 1.3 million employees and $25-billion revenue generation targets for 2016, and the economic integration of the 10 member-states of Asean by next year will lead to the creation of new investments in the region.
Based on Oxford Business Group’s latest report, construction spent from 2011 to 2016 is estimated to reach $70 billion, a large portion of which will go into glass products for housing and building projects.
Sabidong attributed the popularity of glass systems in building design to its ecological benefit of minimizing solar heat and allowing high visible light transmittance.
The proper selection and application of glass products, he noted, would translate to “healthier office environments conducive to workplace productivity, as well as power savings and healthier indoor living for building residents due to improved thermal and acoustic comfort.”
Given that glass has become the preferred construction material at present when green architecture and energy efficiency are at the peak of local adoption, its continued use, nevertheless, worries stakeholders and industry players.
“Since its discovery 4,000 years ago, glass has since evolved into one of the most versatile and amazing materials and its continuous use also armed us, the architects and designers, with a medium to fully express our architectural artistry to the fullest,” Professional Development Commission, United Architects of the Philippines Executive Director Leah de la Rosa said.
She called for responsible utilization of glass to ensure continuous supply in the future.