Rizal Technological University

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Industrial Technology

THE PHILIPPINE GREEN

BUILDING CODE

Submitted By:
Vale, Adrian Emmanuel D

Submitted To:
Arch’t. Efren M. Berme Jr., UAP
CHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Title
This document shall be known as the “Philippine Green Building Code” hereinafter referred to as the
“GB Code”.

Policy
The state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord
with the rhythm and harmony of nature against harmful effects of climate change.

Objectives
The GB Code seeks to improve the efficiency of building performance through a framework of
acceptable set of standards that will enhance sound environmental and resource management that will
counter the harmful gases responsible for the adverse effects of climate change, throughout the
building’s life-cycle including efficient use of resources, site selection, planning, design, construction, use,
occupancy, operation and maintenance, without significant increase in cost

CHAPTER II. GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

Performance Standards
The GB Code shall be subject to the following performance standards: 9.1
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Water Efficiency
3. Material Sustainability
4. Solid Waste Management
5. Site Sustainability
6. Indoor Environmental Quality

1. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency requires the adoption of efficient practices, designs, methods and
technologies that reduce energy consumption resulting in cost savings.
A. BUILDING ENVELOPE
1. Air Tightness and Moisture Protection
As the humidity levels are very high in the Philippines, the unwanted infiltration
and humidity ingress into the spaces can cause additional load on the air
conditioning system and a detrimental impact on air quality. Buildings must be
planned and designed with specific details to ensure that air tightness is maximized.
2. Glass Properties
 Compared to wall assemblies, glazing transfers more heat and hence, it is ideal
to reduce the amount of glazing with respect to the wall in order to reduce internal
heat gains.
3. NATURAL VENTILATION
This measure will give building occupants the flexibility and opportunity to use
natural ventilation for free cooling and fresh air in regularly occupied spaces. This
measure will limit the tendency to create glass sealed box type buildings. Size of
each room and space shall be consistent with the occupancy load of the NBC.
4. BUILDING ENVELOPE COLOR
Light-colored building envelope, especially the roof areas which are the most
vulnerable, can reduce heat transfer from the outside to the inside of the building
by having surfaces with high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI).
5. ROOF INSULATION
Insulation can help reduce heat gain in a building thus improving thermal
comfort, acoustic quality and reducing the load on the air conditioning system.

B. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

1. Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning typically accounts for more than fifty percent (50%) of total
electricity costs in a centrally air conditioned building. Hence, the efficiency of an air
conditioning system is of prime importance. The heart of the air conditioning system
is the cooling system, typically chillers in large buildings and is important to procure
an efficient cooling system.
2. Water Heating System
The use of energy-efficient water heating systems in buildings, by observing
minimum power performance requirements, will help reduce energy consumption
due to heating of water.

3. Variable Speed Drives and High Efficiency Motors

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) describes the equipment used to control the speed
of machinery by changing the frequency of the motor that is being operated. Where
process conditions demand adjustment of flow from a pump or fan, varying the
speed of the drive may save energy compared with other techniques for flow
control
4. Enthalpy Recovery of Exhaust Air
When buildings have outside air or fresh air supply and extract system through
mechanical means, using heat exchangers can use the air extracted from the
building areas to pre-condition the incoming outdoor air. This process exploits the
fact that the extract air is usually already conditioned and therefore colder and drier.
 C. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
1. Daylight Provision
Building should be planned and designed to maximize the use of natural light so
to reduce the use of artificial illumination.
2. Daylight Controlled Lighting System
Building interior perimeter zones exposed to daylight generally do not require
artificial lighting during the day. However, sub-optimal design and operation of the
building results in use of artificial lighting when not required.
3. Lighting Power Density (LPD)
Limitation of LPD will help to design the lighting system in the most efficient
way and reduce the lighting and cooling load in the buildings. 3 The maximum
allowed LPD for each space type.
4. Occupancy Sensors for Lighting Control
Occupancy sensors linked to lighting shall be installed in areas with variable
occupancy.
5. Elevators and Escalators / Moving Ramps / Walkways
Escalators / Moving Ramp / Walkway must be fitted with controls to
automatically reduce speed or stop when no traffic is detected. Elevators must be
fitted with mechanisms to reduce energy demand.
6. Transformer
The transformer shall be tested in accordance with relevant Philippine National
Standards (PNS) at test conditions of full load, free of harmonics and at unity power
factor.
7. Overhead or Elevated Water Storage
To reduce dependence on motorized systems to supply and distribute potable
or non-potable water within the building, thus help reduce energy consumption,
overhead or elevated water storage systems are used, provided there’s a twenty
percent (20%) fire reserve over and above the average daily demand supply. The
system relies mostly on elevation and gravity to distribute water within the building.

2. Water Efficiency
WATER EFFICIENCY Water efficiency requires the adoption of efficient practices, plan, design,
materials, fixtures, equipment and methods that reduce water consumption resulting in cost savings.

1. WATER FIXTURES
Efficient water fixtures include faucets, showerheads and water closets that use less
water in order to perform the same function of cleaning as effectively as standard models.
 Water efficiency is an important aspect, especially as fresh water resources start getting
depleted at a rate faster than they are replenished.

2. WATER MANAGEMENT
A. Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater is one of the purest sources of water available. Rainwater from roofs
and hardscape must be collected and reused for non-potable purposes.

B. Water Recycling
Recycled water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) shall be reused for non-
potable purposes.

3. Material Sustainability
Material Sustainability governs all matters related to resource efficiency and material selection
and use with the least impact on the environment.

[Link]-Toxic Materials
Non-Toxic building materials refer to building materials without hazardous or toxic
chemicals that could cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and eventually lead to Building Related
Illness (BRI).
4. Solid Waste Management
Efficient waste management requires the adoption of efficient waste management practices and
use of eco-friendly materials.

1. Material Recovery Facility (MRF)

MRF shall be provided for the collection and segregation of solid waste materials.

5. SITE SUSTAINABILITY
Site sustainability requires the adoption of planning, design, construction and operation
practices that minimize the adverse impact of buildings on ecosystems and water resources

1. Site / Ground Preparation and Earthworks

Site clearing, grading and excavation shall be planned at the start of construction to
mitigate pollution caused by erosion and sedimentation taking into consideration existing
endemic foliage as regulated by the DENR.
All existing utilities and water bodies and waterways, shall be protected and shall not
be disturbed.
2. Open Space Utilization
The inclusion of green areas or landscaped areas for indigenous or adaptable species of
grass, shrubs and trees will help in providing more permeable surface for the building
 development’s open space and thus allow the re-charging of natural ground water reservoir,
control storm water surface run-off, cool the building surroundings, and provide indoor to
outdoor connectivity for the building occupants
6. Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor Environmental Quality requires the adoption of efficient design and operation practices
that take into consideration the building environment to improve occupant health, productivity and
safety.
1. Minimum Fresh Air Rates
The building indoor environment can contain more contaminants many times over than
the outside. Various studies have shown that indoor air contaminants can cause health
disorders, through symptoms of SBS and BRI. The introduction and application of minimum
fresh air rates will maintain acceptable indoor air quality thru the constant replacement of
indoor air in buildings.
2. Designated Smoking Area
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is one of the leading causes of respiratory illnesses
in building occupants. RA 9211, the Tobacco Regulations Act, restricts tobacco smoking in public
spaces and the prescription of designated smoking areas inside buildings.

CHAPTER III. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL BUILDING OFFICIAL

The Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as the concurrent
National Building Official, pursuant to Section 203 of the NBC, through the NBCDO, shall regularly review
the GB Code not to exceed three (3) years from the date of effectivity and every three (3) years
thereafter. For this purpose, the NBCDO shall convene the Technical Working Group (TWG) to review
and update the GB Code implementation vis-à-vis current and emerging trends in the industry and make
recommendations for reform. The NBCDO shall serve as the center for the development and promotion
of green buildings in the Philippines. As such, it shall be the repository of resource materials relating to
green buildings. It shall also be responsible for developing modules and
providing green building training.

United Architects of the Philippines

-It recognizes the understanding of human, environmental, societal and

cultural challenges, and the consequences of professional activity.

Climate Change Commission

 -Established the framework strategy and the National Climate Change
Action on the plan on Climate Change.

Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineering

-Speaks about the prerequisites on natural, indoor and
stem ventilation conditions and requirements as well as the conveyance of air
in various applications.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

-It is the primary government agency responsible for the conservation,
management, protection, proper use and sustainable development of the country's
environment and natural resources.

Department of the Interior and Local Government

-In a memorandum circular, DILG Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Catalino S. Cuy
enjoins all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and punong
barangays to promote and establish rainwater collection systems
technologies applicable at the community level.

Building for Ecology Responsive Design Excellence

-BERDE is a green building rating system developed by the Philippine
Green Building Council (PHILGBC), and is used to measure, verify, and
monitor the environmental performance of buildings that exceeds existing
mandatory regulations and standards.

CHAPTER IV. CERTIFICATION PROCESS

GREEN BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS

The Office of the Building Official shall review the building permit application for Green Buildings
as prepared by the design professionals in compliance with the requirements of the GB Code and the
various referral codes in accordance with Rule 3 of the NBC.

CHAPTER V. FINAL PROVISIONS

SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
 Should any part or provision of the GB Code be held unconstitutional or invalid by a competent
court, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.
EFFECTIVITY
This GB Code shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication once a week for three (3)
consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation.

TRANSITORY PROVISION
Those projects with building designs and plans that have already been prepared and signed by
all duly licensed design professionals shall be exempt from the coverage, provided that the request for
exemption shall be filed with the Office of the Building Official within 30 days after the effectivity of this
Code.