As climate change and environmental degradation threaten our planet, embracing sustainable building practices has never been more urgent. Green Building Councils (GBCs) across the globe are championing this cause by promoting eco-friendly construction through innovative rating systems, certifications, and advocacy. These organizations are instrumental in driving the creation of buildings that not only conserve energy and resources but also enhance the health and well-being of their occupants. While numerous countries have established their own councils, it is vital to shine a spotlight on the inspiring initiatives in the Philippines—a country uniquely positioned to confront climate risks while also seizing the vast opportunities for green growth. Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable future.
OBJECTIVE
In my previous blog articles, I have consistently shared my hands-on experiences with industrial projects, including solutions for regulating carbon emissions from manufacturing plant boilers, modifying sewage systems for efficient tallow fat collection, and ensuring the proper maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. At that time, concepts like "sustainability" and "sustainable architecture" were absent from technical discussions. It wasn't until five to ten years later, while working abroad, that I began to encounter these terms. I distinctly recall my time in Singapore when I first met third-party inspectors from ISO, LEED, and similar organizations. The sheer volume of paperwork they required felt overwhelming and intrusive, momentarily interrupting my workflow on-site. I even thought it was a burdensome distraction. However, over the course of my career, I came to understand the profound importance of sustainability in the building and construction industry. This realization prompted me to delve deeper into sustainable architecture, leading me to pursue certification. Now, I'm excited to share this valuable knowledge and my work experiences with my followers, emphasizing the vital role sustainability plays in our field.
Below is a curated list of notable Green Building Councils and systems globally, with a special focus on how the Philippines is making strides in sustainable architecture and development.
1. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) – United States
One of the most widely recognized green building rating systems globally, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), was established by USGBC in 1993. LEED provides certification serving over 180 countries for various building types, including new construction, interiors, homes, and neighborhoods. It emphasizes energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site development.
Website: https://www.usgbc.org/
2. Building Research Establishment (BRE) – United Kingdom
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment method (BREEAM) is the world’s first sustainability assessment method for buildings. It evaluates performance in energy, health and wellbeing, land use, pollution, transport, and waste, among others. BREEAM was launched by Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom, an organization which was established as early as 1921. BREEAM is widely used in Europe and other international markets.
According to Wikipedia: “BRE is a former UK government national laboratory that was privatised in 1997. BRE provides research, advice, training, testing, certification and standards for both public and private sector organisations in the UK and abroad.”
Website: https://bregroup.com/
3. Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) – Australia
Established in 2002, GBCA, which originated in Australi,a created the Green Star, a comprehensive sustainability rating system for buildings, fitouts, and communities. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of development while promoting economic and social benefits. Serves primarily in Australia, but also serves a a model for other regions.
Website: https://www.gbca.au/
4. Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) – Canada
While CaGBC administers LEED Canada, it also offers the Zero Carbon Building Standard, which focuses on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions across a building’s lifecycle. CaGBC was established and operated in Canada in the year 2002.
Website: https://www.cagbc.org/
5. Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) – Indonesia
Established in 2009, GBCI created Greenship, Indonesia's own green rating tool, tailored to local environmental, economic, and cultural conditions. It promotes energy efficiency, water conservation, and material sustainability. Greenship is a National system, but also with regional influence.
Website: https://gbcindonesia.org/
6. Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) – India
A part of the Confederation of Indian Industry, IGBC has developed rating systems to address the unique needs of Indian architecture and urban environments. IGBC Rating Systems (including homes, schools, and existing buildings). IGBC was established on 2001 in India with influence primarily in India.
Website: https://igbc.in/
7. Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) – Philippines
The Philippine Green Building Council developed the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) system in response to the country’s need for localized, climate-responsive green building criteria. BERDE evaluates environmental performance in energy and water efficiency, waste management, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials. It also supports the national government's efforts to achieve resilient and sustainable communities. PHILGBC was established in the Philippines in 2007. BERDE certification system primarily serves on a national level.
Website: https://www.philgbc.net/
FINAL THOUGHTS
Green Building Councils around the world are revolutionizing the way we design, construct, and manage our sustainable built environments. Aside from the list I provided above, there are still a lot of organizations and assessment systems established worldwide. While global standards like LEED and BREEAM establish high benchmarks, local initiatives such as BERDE in the Philippines showcase the need for solutions tailored to specific contexts. As sustainability becomes a key element of national development strategies, the role of organizations like the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) is increasingly significant. These councils do more than offer benchmarks and certifications; they ignite a transformative cultural shift toward creating greener, healthier, and more resilient spaces for everyone.
JOEY CASTANEDA
Sustainable Architect
Link in account for architectural works.