Paving the Way for Green Construction: Highlights from the 2024 Sustainability Webinar

Sustainability is no longer just a trend in the fast-changing construction industry—it’s a necessity.

This was the central theme of our most recent webinar, ‘Sustainability in Construction 2024: Building the Blueprint for a Greener Future.’ During this special event, leading experts in the local construction industry spent the afternoon exploring sustainable practices, innovative changes, and financing solutions that are shaping the future of construction for our Ka-Builders.

To shed light once again on the importance of sustainability in construction this year, we’ll recap the key discussions and insights from our latest webinar in this article. We will also share insights on how the industry is adapting to the growing demands for environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

Defining Sustainability in Construction

Pictured from left to right: Victor Katigbac (Amaia Land), Ar. Alvin P. Tejada, Jill Ramos (webinar host), Jericho Martinez (Development Bank of the Philippines), Sam Manlosa (Geocycle), and Jet Reyes (EEI Corp.)

During our webinar, our expert Ka-Builders defined what sustainability is in construction by examining current trends and discussing strategies that will boost consumer adoption and market growth for green products and services. The discussions shared during the webinar proved to be essential—especially as the construction industry strives to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Sustainable construction aims to minimize environmental impact through efficient resource use, waste reduction, and energy-saving designs throughout a project’s lifecycle. Unique challenges in the Philippines, such as frequent natural disasters and the demand for resilient, eco-friendly infrastructure, heighten the need for sustainability. As interest in green buildings grows, the construction industry must prioritize sustainable practices to align with both local and global standards.

Sustainability Recap: Key Topics Covered In The Webinar

The webinar explored several key topics, each shedding light on different aspects of sustainability in construction.

Sustainability in Construction

The webinar showcased the Philippine construction industry’s adaptation to sustainability principles, highlighting the growing use of renewable energy sources and green building practices—both those that are already in place in the country and those to which we need to adapt.

Social Aspects of Sustainability For Filipino Construction Workers

One of the main concepts highlighted during the webinar is the crucial yet often overlooked component of sustainability—the social aspect of construction. In our webinar, the social aspect of construction emphasized that sustainable construction isn’t just about materials and energy efficiency; it also involves community involvement, ethical labor practices, and ensuring that the impact on local communities is positive and equitable.

Hosts of PinoyBuilders’ Sustainability in Construction 2024: Building the Blueprint for a Greener Future engage in a discussion at the Builder’s Corner.

Trends in Sustainability

The webinar also explored the trends shaping the future of construction, such as the integration of smart technologies and the growing importance of circular economy principles. These trends are not only driving innovation but also enhancing the sustainability of construction projects in the Philippines. 

Speakers emphasized how green practices can reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and ultimately save money for businesses.

Green Financing in the Philippines

Green financing emerged as a pivotal topic, with discussions focusing on how financial tools are enabling the shift toward sustainable construction. We presented green loans and bonds as key instruments that enhance the accessibility of eco-friendly projects. We explored the economic and environmental advantages of green financing, providing insights on how businesses can navigate these options to support their sustainable construction goals.

Keynote Speakers Highlights

The event featured a panel of distinguished speakers who brought unique perspectives to the table, each contributing to a deeper understanding of sustainability in construction.

• Ar. Alvin P. Tejada, a seasoned expert in green building certifications, emphasized the importance of adhering to these standards. He discussed how certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) play a crucial role in ensuring that construction projects meet stringent environmental performance criteria, ultimately leading to more sustainable urban environments.
• Jet Reyes, representing EEI Corporation, delved into the social aspects of construction, highlighting how sustainable practices extend beyond environmental concerns to include social equity. Reyes emphasized the importance of inclusive construction projects that prioritize community well-being, guaranteeing the widespread distribution of sustainability’s benefits.
• Victor Katigbac from Amaia Land shared insights into his company’s journey from traditional construction approaches to more sustainable practices. His presentation, “From Blueprint to Greenprint: Amaia Land’s Step Towards a Sustainable Future,” detailed the company’s initiatives to incorporate sustainability at every stage of the building process, from planning to execution.
• Sam Manlosa, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Geocycle, spoke about the most recent trends and the future of sustainability in construction. Manlosa’s forward-looking perspective highlighted how innovation and technology are driving the industry toward more sustainable practices, with a focus on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing resource efficiency.
• Jericho Martinez of the Development Bank of the Philippines provided a comprehensive overview of green financing. His discussion underscored the critical role of financial tools, such as green loans and bonds, in making sustainable construction projects more viable and accessible. Martinez emphasized that securing green financing not only supports environmental goals but also offers significant economic benefits.

Be Part of The Pinoy Builder’s Sustainability Revolution! 

The PinoyBuilder webinar “Sustainability in Construction 2024: Building the Blueprint for the Greener Future” did more than just shed light on the pressing challenges that the Philippine industry faces—the program also emphasized the many opportunities that are available for Filipino construction professionals who are advocating for innovation and growth. 

As the country’s construction industry evolves, integrating sustainable practices will be essential for us to meet the increasing demands of our environmentally conscious consumers and the ever-developing regulatory standards. The wisdom shared by the industry experts we had the honor to share a wonderful afternoon filled with insightful discussion proves that sustainability is not just a trend; now, it is one of the biggest factors that will contribute to the development of a resilient and thriving future in the global construction landscape. 

We encourage readers to reflect on the insights shared during the webinar and consider how they can apply these sustainable practices in their own projects. Your voice matters—please share your thoughts and opinions about the discussions and how they resonate with your experiences in the construction industry.

As we look forward to more engaging and informative webinars from PinoyBuilder, be sure to subscribe to our notifications to stay updated. Together, let’s build a sustainable future for the construction industry—one innovative step at a time!