Study Notes - Philippine Green Building Code

Overview of the Philippine Green Building Code (GB Code)

• Definition of Green Building (GB): The practice of adopting measures that promote resource management efficiency and site sustainability while minimizing the negative impacts of buildings on human health and the environment.

• Core Objectives:

  • Improve the efficiency of a building’s performance.

  • Enhance sound environmental and resource management.

• Key Lifecycle Considerations in GB Design:

  • Efficient use of resources.

  • Site selection.

  • Planning.

  • Design.

  • Construction.

  • Use and occupancy.

  • Operation.

  • Maintenance.

Legal Framework and Approval

• Official Status: The Philippine Green Building Code is a Referral Code of the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096).

• Authority: Approved by the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) pursuant to General Powers vested by Section 203 of Presidential Decree 1096 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

• Endorsements: The code was endorsed by relevant stakeholders, the private sector, government agencies, various Accredited Professional Organizations, the National Building Code Board of Consultants, and the DPWH Management Committee.

• Approval Date: Signed on the 22nd day of June, 2015.

• Signatory: Rogelio Singson, Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Scope of Application

• New Construction and Alterations: Applies to all new construction and/or alterations of buildings that meet the minimum Total Gross Floor Areas (TGFA) thresholds.

• Exemptions: Does not apply to existing buildings whose use or occupancy was established prior to the effectivity of the GB Code.

• Post-Effectivity Modifications: For alterations, additions, conversions, and renovations of existing buildings constructed after the code's effectivity, the whole building becomes subject to the applicable provisions of the GB Code.

• Mixed Occupancy: Buildings with combination occupancies must use appropriate measures applicable to each specific classification.

Performance Standards for Green Building

The Philippine Green Building Design is evaluated based on six major performance standards:

1. Energy Efficiency

2. Water Efficiency

3. Material Sustainability

4. Solid Waste Management

5. Site Sustainability

6. Indoor Environmental Quality

Energy Efficiency Standards

• Air Tightness and Moisture Protection: Required for all buildings except those without provisions for air conditioning systems.

• Glass Properties:

  • Solid Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Used to determine the amount of solar heat admitted through the glass divided by the total solar radiation incident on the glass.

  • Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): Used to determine the amount of light transmitted through the glass.

  • Sun Breakers: These serve a crucial role in stopping solar radiation before it enters a building, thereby reducing solar heat gain.

• Natural Ventilation:

  • Regularly occupied spaces must be provided with operable windows or balcony doors.

  • The total opening area shall be equal to at least $10\%$ of the floor area.

  • Must include safety features for building occupants, including child safety and security.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

• Building Envelope Color:

  • Light-colored roofs are required to reduce heat absorption.

  • Building metal roof surfaces must be white or have a minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of $70$.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

• Roof Insulation:

  • Buildings must be provided with roof insulation such that the average thermal resistance value (R-value) of the roof is at least $R-8$.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

• Mechanical Systems:

  • Applicable to air conditioning systems, water heating systems, variable speed drives, and high-efficiency motors.

  • Standards apply to motor efficiencies, electrically operated unitary air conditioners, water chiller packages, and condensing units.

  • Exception: Buildings with no air conditioning systems.

• Electrical Systems - Daylight Provision:

  • Buildings should be planned to maximize the use of natural light.

  • Suggested features include: Windows, light shelves, clerestories, skylights, and light monitors/light scoops.

  • Exception: Spaces where daylight access hinders the intended function.

• Lighting Power Density (LPD):

  • Limitations on LPD help design efficient lighting systems and reduce both lighting and cooling loads.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

• Occupancy Sensors for Lighting Control:

  • Sensors linked to lighting must be installed in areas with variable occupancy.

  • Required areas: Corridors, private offices, storage rooms, common toilets, meeting rooms, stairways, and other similar areas.

  • Covered Car Parks: A minimum of $60\%$ of the lighting must be controlled by occupancy sensors.

  • Exception: Emergency and security lighting.

• Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Ramps:

  • Must be fitted with automated controls to reduce to a slower speed when no activity is detected for a maximum of $1.5\,\text{minutes}$.

  • Must automatically enter standby mode when no activity is detected for a maximum of $5\,\text{minutes}$.

  • Must be designed with energy-efficient soft-start technology.

  • Elevator cars must have an average lamp efficacy of more than $55\,\text{lumens/watt}$.

  • Lighting in elevators must switch off after $5\,\text{minutes}$ of inactivity.

  • Non-hydraulic elevators must use Alternating Current (AC) Variable Voltage and Variable Frequency (VVVF) drives.

• Water Storage Dependency:

  • Overhead or elevated water storage should be used to reduce dependence on motorized systems for distribution.

  • Relies primarily on elevation and gravity.

  • Exception: Buildings below ten ($10$) storeys high are exempted.

Water Efficiency and Management

• Efficient Water Fixtures: Use of faucets, showerheads, and water closets that use less water than standard models while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

• Mandatory Devices: Implementation of sensors, auto-control valves, aerators, flow control, and pressure-reducing devices.

• Exception: Buildings below ten ($10$) storeys high are exempted.

• Rainwater Harvesting:

  • Rainwater from roofs and hardscapes must be collected and reused for non-potable purposes (e.g., toilet flushing, irrigation, cooling towers).

  • Minimum Storage Tank Size Calculation: $\text{Minimum Size in } cu.m = \frac{\text{Building Footprint Area}}{75}$.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

• Water Recycling:

  • Recycled water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) must be reused for non-potable purposes.

  • Must use a distinct and separate piping system from the potable water supply.

  • Exception: Buildings with no dedicated STP.

Material Sustainability

• Non-Toxic Materials: Buildings must use materials without hazardous chemicals that cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) or Building-Related Illness (BRI).

• VOC Limits: Paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants used indoors or in non-ventilated areas must not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) or stay within levels specified in Table 14.

• Composite Wood: Must not have urea-formaldehyde content.

• Documentation: Compliance requires a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the supplier and other justifying certifications.

• Note: There are no exceptions to these provisions.

Solid Waste Management

• Material Recovery Facility (MRF):

  • Buildings must provide a minimum area for an MRF.

  • The MRF must be fully enclosed and easily accessible from both inside and outside the building for waste collection.

• Waste Segregation: Containers must be provided for at least four (4) types of waste:

  1. Compostable (Biodegradable).

  2. Non-recyclable (Landfill disposal).

  3. Recyclable (Paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, etc.).

  4. Special Waste.

• Hospitals: Must provide isolated bins for hazardous wastes to avoid contamination.

• Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

Site Sustainability

• Site Preparation and Earthworks:

  • Clearing and excavation must mititgate pollution from erosion and sedimentation.

  • Must consider existing endemic foliage as regulated by the DENR.

  • Existing utilities, water bodies, and waterways must be protected and undisturbed.

• Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan: Outlines measures to prevent soil run-off into natural water bodies.

• Storm Water Management: Inclusion of structures or facilities for storm water collection.

• Open Space Utilization:

  • Must include green or landscaped areas with indigenous or adaptable species.

  • A minimum of $50\%$ of the required Unpaved Surface Area (USA), as defined in NBC Rule VII and VIII, must be vegetated.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

• Minimum Fresh Air Rates:

  • Maintains indoor air quality through constant air replacement.

  • Compliance must follow the latest Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVARE) standards.

  • Note: There are no exceptions to this provision.

• Designated Smoking Areas:

  • Restricts tobacco smoking in public spaces.

  • If smoking is banned: "No Smoking" signs must follow RA 9514 (Fire Code of the Philippines 2008).

  • If smoking is outdoor only: Areas must be naturally ventilated and at least $10\,\text{meters}$ away from entrances, windows, and outside supply air (OSA) intakes.

  • If smoking is indoor: Areas must be partitioned from floor to soffit/roof, equipped with a dedicated exhaust system, and vented directly outside away from any building openings.

  • Exception: Buildings with a general "No Smoking" policy are exempt from having designated smoking areas.

Green Building Certification Systems

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A worldwide standard developed by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), used as a benchmark for sustainable construction in the Philippines.

• BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence): A locally-tailored system developed by the PhilGBC (Philippine Green Building Council) to address unique local environmental challenges and cultural considerations.

• PGBI (Philippine Green Building Initiative): A certification system focused on promoting sustainable building practices and integrating design principles into architectural planning.

Administration

• Office of the Building Official (OBO): Responsible for reviewing building permit applications for Green Buildings.

• Process: Evaluation is done by design professionals in compliance with the GB Code and various referral codes in accordance with Rule 3 of the NBC.