Quezon City gov't to contractors: Make your structures "green"

I am particularly proud of this development in the Quezon City Hall. The new Department of Building Official is a product of the Citizen Report Card (CRC)which we did for Quezon City in 2007 (together with CRC for business permit and health service). We did not directly suggest the creation of the new "department" but it was a wise move from then Mayor Sonny Belmonte to have it separated, thru an ordinance, from the City Engineer's Office (back then, it was called the "Office of the Building Official") after we reported so many anomalies. Now the department is staffed with qualified building inspectors and technical staff, and being managed professionally. I had the chance to interview the head and I sincerely believe in his competence. I hope other LGUs will follow the example of Mayor Bistek's green city initiative.

Quezon City gov't to contractors: Make your structures "green"

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 13:40:00 02/18/2011

Filed Under: Laws, Local authorities, Environmental Issues


MANILA, Philippines--Developers seeking to build new buildings in Quezon City better make sure their structures are "green."

City building official Engr. Isagani Versoza Jr. said the Quezon City government will begin enforcing its "green building ordinance" in April where they will require contractors to adopt eco-friendly technologies in their structures.

The ordinance mandates the use of eco-friendly technology and system in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance including the retrofitting of building projects.

Versoza said he is proud of Quezon City being the pioneer among local government units in adopting and implementing green building infrastructure, which he said is City Mayor Herbert Bautista's advocacy.

He added that the city government wishes to promote energy efficiency and cost effectiveness in building construction as well to mitigate adverse impacts on environment degradation.

"Our mayor strongly believes that the implementation of green policy emphasizes the need to promote and protect the interrelation of the natural ecosystem and development. These are the key factors that contribute to sustainable development, empowerment of people and urban development," Versoza said.

The building official explained that part of the administration's advocacy is to reduce greenhouse gas and other hazardous emissions from buildings and similar structures.

The ordinance's implementing rules and regulations will be adopted this April.

To encourage developers and contractors to support the new ordinance, the city government will offer incentives in the form of tax credits to those conforming to the green building policy.

"There is an incentive in the form of tax credits for the land users, developers and planners who incorporate, implement, install and actually use environment friendly technologies," Versoza said.

To brief developers, contractors and building owners on the green building policy, the city government will hold a symposium next week for concerned parties to be able to clarify issues on the ordinance.

Versoza said the symposium will be held on Feb. 23, 2011 at the U.P. Ayala Technohub to brief the affected parties before the actual adoption and implementation of the ordinance come April.

Invited to attend are developers, contractors, professions, building owners and government engineers who wish to thresh out some questions with the city
government.

"Those who want to know the guidelines, procedure requirements, forms and other relevant information on how to apply for a green building certificate, which is a requirement in applying for permits in the construction, renovation or retrofitting of buildings et al," Versoza said in qualifying who may attend.

Interested parties may contact Frediswinda de Guzman at 4447272 local 8905 for details or visit www.quezoncity.gov.ph.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20110218-320952/QC-govt-to-contractors-Make-your-structures-green