LEED, Berde-certified DATEM-built sustainable structures lead carbon footprint reduction

THE construction of a green building involves utmost consideration to energy use, water use, indoor environmental quality and material selection.

DATEM Inc. President Lesley Villanueva (3rd from right) joins Menarco Development Corp. founder and Chief Executive Officer Carmen Jimenez- Ong (center) and representatives from International Finance Corp. during the awarding of the prestigious Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies Zero Carbon certification for Menarco Tower. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Green buildings are validated by rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and its local counterpart, Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (Berde) of the Philippine Green Building Council, ensuring compliance with environmentally friendly construction standards.

Sustainability is a guaranteed feature of green buildings on top of ensuring mobility and modern spaces. It adheres to the growing environmental, social and governance commitments, aiming to minimize carbon footprints associated with building operations.

DATEM Inc.’s Makati Commerce Tower project bags the 1st Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design version 4.0: Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell Development Platinum certification for the Philippines. CONTRIBUTED POSTER

Green features

Buildings with green building certifications conserve more energy. The USGBC has reported that buildings with LEED certification have 34 percent lower carbon emissions, consume 25 percent less energy and 11 percent less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.

Moreover, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the maintenance of LEED-certified buildings is 20-percent lower than that of conventional buildings, dispelling misconceptions about the operational costs of green buildings.

In addition to energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction, green buildings foster a sound and healthy indoor environment. Proper ventilation, wide space and improved indoor air quality create a comfortable environment, promote positivity and reduce stress among tenants and employees.

Sustainability has been the driving force behind the construction firm DATEM Inc.’s innovations, primarily in its green building projects. To steadfastly uphold this commitment in its operations and services, it has enshrined in its mission statement: “committing to be the foremost green builder in the country through environmental practices and sustainable development.”

Throughout its history, DATEM has consistently demonstrated its commitment to environmentally friendly structures through its green building projects as validated by the LEED and Berde rating programs.

The Menarco Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, stands as one of DATEM’s environmentally and well-being-friendly structures. It has recently received the prestigious Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies Zero Carbon certification for attaining 41.33-percent energy use efficiency.

The said tower has also been awarded with the LEED version 3.0 Gold Certification in September 2017 and the first WELL Gold Certification in the Philippines from the International Well Building Institute in August 2019. These recognitions validate Menarco Tower’s reputation as “the healthiest building in Southeast Asia.”

The Makati Commerce Tower has also been certified with LEED version 4.0 for Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell Development Platinum certification by the USGBC this 2023. The newly constructed structure has been built with an exceptional design on the exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical and plumbing units. The Makati Commerce Tower has bagged the first LEED version 4.0 Platinum certification for an office building in the Philippines.

Moreover, Seven NEO — formerly known as The Net Park — and Botanika Nature Residences have been given 5 and 4 stars, respectively, by Berde. Seven NEO has been integrated with green building features such as multiple open green spaces, reduction of solar heat gain and optimization of natural light to achieve energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, Botanika Nature Residences lives up to its name with its iconic leaf-shaped structure and tropical Asia-inspired features. Its design offers a refreshing atmosphere and open parks, enhancing mobility for residents.

Aligned with the values of partner developers, DATEM constructs green building projects such as the Eluria Residences and Savya Financial Center. These green buildings would not have been erected if not for the initiative and commitment of the clients, who have trusted DATEM to implement and bring their vision to life.

Join the green building movement

Green buildings are positive indicators of the industry’s drive for environmental protection and making a difference in the world.

DATEM President Lesley Espiritu-Villanueva said: “Recognizing climate change as one of the major risks, DATEM shares the vision of creating sustainable homes and workplaces with the [well-being of] occupants and surroundings as the foremost consideration. While development is being forwarded by infrastructure projects, nature-based solutions and innovations must remain on top of progress to make a real difference in the world.”

Advancing sustainability through green buildings entails improving workplaces and habitat, too, which DATEM has been championing in this campaign. DATEM’s unrelenting sustainability efforts have been exemplified through its green buildings. With its green building projects, DATEM is bringing sustainability closer to people.