LOCAL architects are now pushing for modernized designs of housing units that will slowly reduce use of electricity as part of the general effort to adopt green technology for sustainable development.
Florizel C. Chavez, past president of the Davao chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), said the new designs feature better air passage that will reduce use of air-conditioning units and the use of a catchment system for rainwater. “In this way, the owners of the house will be able to reduce their electrical consumption, aside from having a virtually free additional source of water,” said Chavez.
However, some of those planning to build a house are reluctant to go into green development because it is about more expensive than the ordinary house. “There must be a change in paradigm on the part of those who want to have a better house,” said Chavez, also the president of the local chapter of the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines.
Chavez admitted setting up solar panels as energy source of a building is 20 percent more expensive than merely connecting with the usual light and power company or electric cooperative. But he said the long-term expenses considerably when power is supplied by the sun through the solar panels.
Also, the rainwater collection system entails additional construction expenses in terms of providing gutters and water storage thanks. However, after this, the house or building owner will have free source of water. “The long-term profit will be bigger, although the house owner will still first consider that he or she has to spend for the systems before the profit can be realized,” Chavez said.
Former city councilor Leonardo R. Avila III, currently the acting city agriculturist, was behind the passage of an ordinance as a followup to a national law encouraging new houses and buildings to set up rainwater catchment systems. However, Avila told mediamen covering Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Monday that the developers are only requested to come up with these systems as there is no penalty clause in the ordinance.
Local government units must also be able to come up with incentives that will push for the development of this new technology considering that those who are into mass housing development will definitely not go into spending more because this will reduce the profitability of their venture, he added.
His call was supported by the local chapter of the Chamber of Real Estates and Builders Association. Carlos Omar A. Vargas, chapter president, said that government should come up with incentives for developers who will go into building mass housing complexes with the use of green technology.
Aside from providing incentives, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council must also regulate housing projects by implementing an order that requires developers to set aside tree parks in their projects. [AD]
