SEATWORK 100: THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

AR157-1 Green Building Rating System

Submitted by:

AUSTRIA, MICKO ANGELO S.

2018121808

Submitted to

AR. JUNAR TABLAN

March 07, 2024

The direct and pervasive health effects of air pollution are frequently mentioned as the most urgent
problem. Due to emissions from cars and other industrial sources, as well as the country's reliance
on fossil fuels for cooking, the Philippines routinely surpasses World Health Organization (WHO)
air quality standards. Vulnerable groups, like children and the elderly, are disproportionately
affected by this pollution, which also induces respiratory ailments, heart disease, and other health
issues.

Air pollution is a serious contender for the most worrying issue facing the Philippines today since it
may have a more direct and immediate effect on public health. Air pollution can worsen existing
health issues and fuel climate change, which exacerbates the state of the environment. To address
these issues, government agencies, private sector companies, and individuals must work together to
promote sustainable habits, enhance waste management, and make the switch to cleaner energy
sources.

Air pollution in the Philippines is a potential environmental problem that may be greatly influenced
by architecture. Unchecked city growth increases dependency on private vehicles, causes habitat
loss and deforestation, and worsens air pollution. Buildings that rely heavily on electricity from
fossil fuels, have antiquated ventilation systems and have inadequate insulation contribute a lot to
greenhouse gas emissions, which increase climate change and lower air quality. Construction
projects produce a lot of garbage, such as metal, wood, and concrete fragments, which strain
landfills and may result in inappropriate disposal and environmental harm.

As a future architect, I may contribute to the fight against air pollution by using the following
strategies: (1) making sustainable design principles a priority; (2) using sustainable materials; (3)
reducing waste generation; and (4) life-cycle evaluation. Whenever possible, include in your
projects features like natural lighting, energy-efficient appliances, passive ventilation, and
renewable energy sources like solar panels. When building, use materials that are readily
renewable, repurposed, and sourced locally. This lowers emissions from transportation and its
impact on the environment. Create structures that make recycling, trash sorting, and reduction
easier. Investigate cutting-edge building techniques that reduce trash production and encourage
disposal that respects the environment. Think about how your ideas will affect the environment at
every stage of their life cycle, from material reuse and demolition to building and operation.