Smarter and greener buildings are fast becoming the norm in the Philippines, with more and more property developers taking action to address climate change and to embrace the available advanced technologies.
It can be observed the country is also steadily keeping up with the trends. Many buildings now are becoming more digitized and have more sustainable features not just to reduce cost but also to lessen their carbon footprint.
Many players in the Philippine construction industry are also exploring the potential benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to their building management systems (BMS). Artificial intelligence, for instance, can be used in crucial building operational systems, such as energy management, enhanced HVAC system for optimal comfort, and predictive maintenance.
Aside from artificial intelligence, sustainability features are also a major consideration among real estate developers. Being a sector with the largest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, it is safe to say that the real estate industry has a responsibility in creating a greener and more sustainable built environment.
As the world transitions to a new normal, the building and construction industry is also transforming to cater to the needs and ensure the well-being of their building users. Returning to a safe workplace is now one of the top considerations; therefore, real estate developers are investing more on innovations that will not only ensure productivity but will also provide a sense of safety. One such innovation is contactless or touchless systems, such as sensors, access cards, and facial recognition software. These features will help lessen the risk of transmission not only of the Covid-19 virus but also other pathogens.
To further promote sustainability, there a number of globally recognized green building certifications that building owners and developers can take advantage of as a way to reduce their properties environmental impact. Aside from affording their client-occupiers the appropriate credentials to satisfy their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, many now are also now attributing the growing importance of green and sustainable buildings to staff productivity, health, and overall happiness. (Colliers)
