PB to review green building ordinance

THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) will review on second reading a proposed ordinance requiring the provincial government to implement environment-friendly measures in public projects.

The ordinance entitled “Province of Cebu Green Building Program” also encourages towns, component cities and the private sector to incorporate green building practices set by the Philippine Green Building Council (PGBC).

A green building is a designation given to structures that met the requirements of the rating system of PGBC’s Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence or Berde.

Berde, a partner non-government organization of the Department of Energy (DOE), has different criteria for new constructions, retrofits and renovations, and building management.

The website www.berdeonline.org defines green buildings as: (i) energy and water efficient, (ii) cheaper to operate and maintain, (iii) reduces negative impact to the environment, (iv) creates healthy environment for the users, (v) improves productivity of users, (vi) and improves the quality of life.

Boardmember Thadeo Ouano, author of the proposed ordinance, said enforcement of this proposed ordinance will benefit public health in the long run since green buildings don’t emit greenhouse gas.

“Conventional building design, construction and operation methods not only can negatively affect the health of the people who work and live in them but can also negatively impact the environment,” the proposed ordinance stated.

Renovations

Ouano is the chairman of the PB’s committee on environment and natural resources.

A resolution was also passed in 2011 which requested the Provincial Engineering Office to formulate a comprehensive retrofitting program to convert the buildings at the Capitol Compound into “green buildings.”

Under the proposal, a Provincial Green Building Management Board will be formed to ensure that all construction and major renovations or retrofitting of the province’s structures will comply with Berde’s Green Building Rating System.

The management board tasked to formulate the policies, procedures and guidelines for the ordinance’s implementation will headed by Gov. Hilario Davide III with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale as its vice-chairperson.

The provincial government will also hold training workshops every year to further educate participants on the program.

Violators will be fined P2,500 or face a maximum of six months imprisonment. An initial P5 million will be also be appropriated for the implementation of the program. /Peter L. Romanillos, Correspondent