UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA

Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna

College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

BERDE
(Building for Ecological Response Design Excellence)
Written report

Under the Supervision of

Ar. Leanjoy Jaca Rebusa, uap, MBAc

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the Course

SPECIALIZATION 1

Basbano, Justin Lloyd D.

Patnubay, Angeline C.

2024
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

Abstract

The Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE)

certification is important when it comes to supporting sustainable development plans
and initiatives at both national and local levels in the Philippines. Recognized as the
National Voluntary Green Building Rating System by the government, BERDE serves as
a guide for various national agencies in formulating policies and programs aimed at
promoting green building and sustainability within the building sector. Additionally,
numerous local governments across the country have integrated BERDE into their
policies to ensure the environmental performance of projects within their jurisdictions.

BERDE goes beyond existing environmental and building regulations by

recognizing performance that exceeds standard requirements. As a compliance tool, it
facilitates adherence to building and environmental laws and regulations, thereby
contributing to the overall sustainability and environmental responsibility of construction
projects. In this report, BERDE certification is significant in ensuring that projects align
with sustainability objectives, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering the
development of green infrastructure nationwide.

Introduction

In the Philippines, where urban development is rapidly expanding, the need for
sustainable practices has become increasingly in demand. The Building for Ecologically
Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) stands out as an innovative approach, offering a
comprehensive framework for sustainable building design and construction. Developed
by the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC), BERDE transcends mere guidelines;
it represents an ideology that promotes environmentally responsible and sustainable
practices.BERDE's primary objective is to evaluate and enhance the environmental
performance of buildings, guiding architects and engineers in creating structures that
are not only efficient but also sustainable and environmentally friendly. By emphasizing
sustainability in design and construction, BERDE aims to mitigate the environmental
impact of buildings and foster a greener, more sustainable built environment.

One of the fundamental aspects of BERDE is its emphasis on minimum system

requirements. These requirements serve as the foundation for sustainable building
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

practices, encompassing key areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste
management, indoor environmental quality, and site sustainability. By adhering to these
requirements, buildings can significantly reduce their environmental impact and
operating costs while providing healthier and more comfortable spaces for occupants.

A key parameter within the BERDE rating system is Management, which focuses on the
implementation of sustainable management practices within a building. This includes
the establishment of management policies, the adoption of sustainable practices, and
the monitoring of environmental performance. Buildings are evaluated based on their
efforts to implement sustainable management practices, such as the introduction of
green cleaning programs, waste management plans, and energy management systems.
Through these initiatives, buildings can minimize their environmental footprint and
contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

BERDE represents a paradigm shift in the way buildings are designed, constructed, and
operated in the Philippines. It provides a holistic approach to sustainability, emphasizing
the importance of environmental stewardship and responsible building practices. By
embracing BERDE, buildings can achieve certification and demonstrate their
commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all.

Significance of the Study

The study of BERDE and its application in the context of urban development in
the Philippines holds immense significance. Firstly, BERDE plays a crucial role in
promoting environmental sustainability. By emphasizing energy efficiency, water
conservation, waste management, and sustainable site use, BERDE helps reduce the
environmental impact of buildings and contributes to the conservation of natural
resources. This is particularly important in a rapidly urbanizing country like the
Philippines, where the strain on resources is increasing. Secondly, BERDE focuses on
improving the health and well-being of building occupants. Buildings certified under
BERDE are designed to provide healthier indoor environments, which can lead to a
reduction in illnesses related to poor indoor air quality and inadequate ventilation. This
aspect of BERDE is essential in enhancing the quality of life for residents and workers in
urban areas.
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

The study of BERDE and its application in the context of urban development in
the Philippines holds immense significance. Firstly, BERDE plays a crucial role in
promoting environmental sustainability. By emphasizing energy efficiency, water
conservation, waste management, and sustainable site use, BERDE helps reduce the
environmental impact of buildings and contributes to the conservation of natural
resources. This is particularly important in a rapidly urbanizing country like the
Philippines, where the strain on resources is increasing. Secondly, BERDE focuses on
improving the health and well-being of building occupants. Buildings certified under
BERDE are designed to provide healthier indoor environments, which can lead to a
reduction in illnesses related to poor indoor air quality and inadequate ventilation. This
aspect of BERDE is essential in enhancing the quality of life for residents and workers in
urban areas.

Report Content

BERDE
BERDE, short for Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence,
serves as the Philippines’ National Voluntary Green Building Rating System, operating
under the Department of Energy’s Philippine Energy Efficiency Project-Efficient Building
Initiative. It functions as a tool for evaluating the resource efficiency and environmental
performance of construction projects. BERDE assesses a structure’s performance in
comparison to prevailing national and municipal construction regulations, environmental
standards, and mandated criteria.

The difference of BERDE and LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BERDE (Building

for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) are green building rating systems, but
they have distinct characteristics. LEED, recognized worldwide, emphasizes energy
efficiency and indoor air quality, among other factors. In contrast, BERDE is tailored to
the Philippines, considering the country's tropical climate and specific environmental
challenges.

While LEED offers different versions for various projects, BERDE focuses mainly
on new construction, renovations, and building operations. Although LEED is more
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

widely known globally, BERDE is gaining popularity in the Philippines as

sustainability becomes increasingly important in building practices.

How can you get BERDE Certified?

The project must complete the BERDE Certification process, comply with all minimum
system requirements, and achieve the minimum rating for certification.

The project must complete the BERDE Certification process, comply with all
minimum system requirements, and achieve the minimum rating for certification.The
project must complete the BERDE Certification process, comply with all minimum
system requirements, and achieve the minimum rating for certification.

How can you get BERDE Certified?

BERDE Rating Scheme

● BERDE -NC
This rating system is used for evaluating the sustainability of newly
constructed buildings. It considers various aspects of the building's design,
construction, and operation that impact the environment, such as energy
efficiency, water conservation, site selection, and indoor environmental quality

● BERDE -RN
BERDE-RN is used for assessing the sustainability of existing buildings
that undergo retrofits or renovations. It focuses on improving the environmental
performance of these buildings by upgrading their systems, materials, and design
to meet modern sustainability standards.

● BERDE -OPS
BERDE-OP evaluates the sustainability performance of buildings in terms
of their ongoing operations and maintenance. It considers factors such as energy
and water use, waste management, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort to
ensure that the building continues to operate in an environmentally responsible
manner.
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

Minimum System Requirement of BERDE

MSR-01 Regulatory compliance - This requirement aims to ensure that the project is
complying with all building and environmental laws, regulations, and mandatory
standards applicable to the project.

The project team must conduct a regulatory compliance review for the project to identify
and assess compliance with the following:

● Relevant laws, regulations, and mandatory standards governing the practice of

building design, construction, and operations
● Relevant laws, regulations, and mandatory standards environmental
requirements affecting the building performance
● Local ordinances applicable to the project

REGISTRATION

During registration, the project team must submit report on the regulatory compliance
review for the project, which should include information on,

All applicable building and environmental laws, regulations for the project, and
Status of compliance of the project with the applicable regulations.

STAGE 1 DESIGN
During Stage 1, the project team needs to provide
● Report on Regulatory Compliance Review
● Copy of Approved Building Permit
● Permits and Issuances

STAGE 2 CONSTRUCTION
During Stage 2, the project team needs to provide
● Report on Regulatory Compliance Review
● Copy of Approved Building Permit
● Permits and Issuances
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

STAGE 3 OPERATIONS
During Stage 3, the project team needs to provide
● Report on Regulatory Compliance Review
● Copy of Approved Building Permit
● Permits and Issuances

MSR-02 Distinct and Clear Boundaries- This requirement aims to establish a clear
scope for the project by defining the physical boundaries of the project.

REGISTRATION
During registration, the project team must submit plans showing clearly the boundaries
of the project for certification, which should include:
● All applicable building and environmental laws, regulations for the project, and
● Status of compliance of the project with the applicable regulations.

ALL STAGES
During assessment, the project team must submit proof of the capacity of the on-site
shared building systems and utilities, which must reflect the following

● The capacity of the on-site shared building systems and utilities are sufficient for
the project and other projects
● There is dedicated capacity allotted for the project

MSR-03 Disclosure of Resource Performance Data- This requirement aims to ensure

that the project owner is committed to the certification process by disclosing the
resource performance data of their project and to ensure consistency in the submission
of performance data for the assessment of the project.

STAGE 1 DESIGN
During Stage 1, the project team must submit
● Projected Occupancy Profile
● Energy base case report reflecting the projected annual total operational energy
consumption in kilowatt-hour (kWh) based on the design of the project
● Water base case report reflecting the projected annual total water consumption in
cubic meter (m3) based on the design of the project
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289
● Waste base case report reflecting the projected construction waste generation in
kilograms (kg)

STAGE 2 CONSTRUCTION
During Stage 1, the project team must submit
● Projected Occupancy Profile
● Energy base case report reflecting the projected annual total operational energy
consumption in kilowatt-hour (kWh) based on the design of the project
● Water base case report reflecting the projected annual total water consumption in
cubic meter (m3) based on the design of the project
● Waste base case report reflecting the projected construction waste generation in
kilograms (kg)

STAGE 3 OPERATIONS
During Stage 1, the project team must submit
● Projected Occupancy Profile

● Energy base case report reflecting the actual energy consumption data in kWh
for at least twelve (12) months before and at least twelve (12) months during the
performance period

● Water base case report reflecting the actual water consumption data in m3 for at
least twelve (12) months before and at least twelve (12) months during the
performance period
● Waste base case report reflecting the actual waste generated in kg.

MSR-04 Initial Site Assessment - This requirement aims to ensure that the project
team thoroughly assesses the project's impact on the site and the community. It
includes declaring existing ecological features within the site and its surroundings,
evaluating potential risks and hazards before designing and constructing the project,
and identifying opportunities to preserve, protect, and enhance important environmental
and social aspects of the site and the community.

STAGE 1 DESIGN
During Stage 1, the project team must submit
● Service contract as proof of engagement for the professional
● Site assessment report
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

● Location and information about the flora and fauna within the project site and its
immediate surroundings
● Potential site hazards and risks
● Social and cultural value of the site or community
● If there is an existing building or previous development in the site

MSR-05 Deconstruction Waste Management- This requirement aims to: Evaluate the
potential waste generated by deconstructing an existing building in the project site; and
Reduce the waste generated from the deconstruction of existing buildings in the project
site.

ALL STAGES
The project team must submit
● Waste base case report
● Deconstruction waste management plan
● Description of the identified waste diversion strategies
● List of operators, suppliers and service providers for the identified waste
diversion strategies for the project
● Documented policies and procedures for implementing the deconstruction waste
plan.

● List of personnel involved in the implementation of the deconstruction waste

management plan
● Communication records such as formal letters, memorandum, and e-mail
correspondence from official corporate e-mail addresses, reflecting the target
waste reduction and implementation of the diversion strategies
● Documentation on the implementation of the policies and procedures
● Documentation of the segregation, handling, collection, and storage of waste
● Documentation of the collection, disposal, and diversion of the generated wastes
● Report on the computation of the waste reduction of the project,

MSR-06 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention And Control-

This requirement aims to:
● Ensure proper waste and pollution management are established and
implemented in the project; and
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

● Monitor and evaluate the management of wastes and pollution in construction

activities for the project.

ALL STAGES
The project team must submit
● Report on the site assessment prior to the demolition and construction activities
● Construction activity pollution prevention and control plan
● Plans and specifications for the strategies to control or prevent the expected
pollution sources in the project
● Documented policies and procedures
● Communication records to the project team on the documented policies and
procedures.
● Report on the evaluation of the implementation of the plan

Management- category focuses on the sustainable processes and practices for the
effective management of the design, construction and operations of projects.
Management promotes collaborative and integrated processes that helps in identifying
the most cost-effective and sustainable strategies for the project.

MN-01 Green Building Professional - aims to engage a qualified Green Building

Professional (GBP) in undergoing the BERDE Certification process.

REQUIREMENTS - The project owner must engage a competent and qualified GBP.
When engaging a GBP, the project owner must:

1.Must be a Certified BERDE Professional or certified under a recognized green

building certification program.

2.Define the roles and responsibilities of the professional for the project.

3.Employ the GBP for the project for at least the duration and completion of the BERDE
Certification process.

Score Distribution

3 points- If the project trams engaged a GBP for the project for the scope and duration
of the BERDE Certification process.
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

MN-02 Stakeholder Consultation-

This credit aims to:

● Consult stakeholders to understand their needs.

● Develop projects that address those needs, socially, economically, and
environmentally.
● Evaluate how well the project incorporated stakeholder input.

REQUIREMENTS :

STAGE 1 — DESIGN - The project team must demonstrate how the project address the
social, economic, and environmental needs of the materially-affected stakeholders.

STAGE 2 — CONSTRUCTION- The project team must implement the

recommendations from the consultations.

STAGE 3 - OPERATIONS

The project team must:

1. Identify the materially-affected stakeholders for the project.

2.Consult the materially-affected stakeholders on improving the operations of the

project,which should include discussions on the following:

● Discuss project background and key green building features.

● Address sustainability strategies for social, economic, and environmental
impacts.
● Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
● Cover end-user concerns: management and operational implications,
maintenance, and process requirements.

3.Incorporate the recommendations from the consultations in the operations of the

project.
4. Implement the recommendations in the project.
5.Evaluate the effectivity of the stakeholder recommendations in the operations of the
project
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

MN-03 Project Management-

This credit aims to:

● Identify sustainable and cost-effective strategies for design, construction, and

operations.
● Establish an integrated project delivery process.
● Optimize project delivery through effective management.
● Develop user guidelines to inform about green building requirements.

STAGE 1 — DESIGN - The project team must optimize the delivery of the project
through the effective management of the design, construction, and operations of the
project.

STAGE 2 — CONSTRUCTION-

● Addressing issues encountered during design implementation.

● Actions taken to resolve the identified issues
● Clarifying responsibilities for preparing BERDE documentation.

STAGE 3 - OPERATIONS

1.Project Owner Responsibilities:

● Set performance goals and sustainability targets.

● Engage qualified team members, defining roles and responsibilities.
● Conduct a kick-off meeting for collaborative operations.

2.Project Team Responsibilities:

Hold regular charettes covering operational roles, regulatory requirements, BERDE

credits, communication procedures, policy implementation, issue resolution, and
monitoring.

MN-03 Project Management-

This credit aims to:

● Identify sustainable and cost-effective strategies for design, construction, and

operations.
● Establish an integrated project delivery process.
● Optimize project delivery through effective management.
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

● Develop user guidelines to inform about green building requirements.

REQUIREMENTS :

STAGE 1 — DESIGN

The project team must optimize the delivery of the project through the effective
management of the design, construction, and operations of the project.

STAGE 2 — CONSTRUCTION-

● Implementation of design and construction monitoring to meet performance and

sustainability targets.
● Addressing issues encountered during design implementation.
● Actions taken to resolve the identified issues
● Clarifying responsibilities for preparing BERDE documentation.

STAGE 3 - OPERATIONS

1.Project Owner Responsibilities:

● Set performance goals and sustainability targets.

● Engage qualified team members, defining roles and responsibilities.
● Conduct a kick-off meeting for collaborative operations.

2.Project Team Responsibilities:

● Hold regular charettes covering operational roles, regulatory requirements,

BERDE credits, communication procedures, policy implementation, issue
resolution, and monitoring.

MN-04 Certified Green Building- aims to continue the commitment of the project
owner to sustainability through green building certification.

REQUIREMENTS:

For building and tenant projects:

● BERDE Green Building Rating System,

 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

● A green building rating system developed or duly recognized by a member

National Green Building Council (NGBC) of the World Green Building Council
(WorldGBC).

Score Distribution

3 points- If the project teams submitted previous green building certification of the
project.

MN-05 Staff Training- aims to establish a staff education program to increase the
knowledge and skills of staff on sustainability.

REQUIREMENTS:
The project team must:
Implement an education program for project staff, covering green building and
sustainability topics, local heritage, nationalism, and gender diversity. This includes
regular activities and the project owner's commitment to providing continuing education
for all levels of staff.

Score Distribution:

3 points- If the project teams 75% or more of the project staff received 80 hours or more
of trainings.

2 points- If the project teams 50% to less than 75% of the project staff received 60
hours to less than 80 hours of trainings

1 points- If the project teams 25% to less than 50% of the project staff received 40
hours to 60 hours of trainings.

MN-06 Green Building Education-

This credit aims to:
● Establish an education program for users on the green building strategies and
solutions featured in the project.
● Educate users on the green building features of the project through experiential
learning.
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

REQUIREMENTS:

STAGE 1 — DESIGN

● Establish an education program on the green building features of the project

● Prepare a case study on the design of the project

STAGE 2 — CONSTRUCTION-

● Install the information facilities identified in the program.

● Prepare a case study on the construction of the project

STAGE 3 - OPERATIONS

● Establish an education program on the green building features of the project

● Implement the education program.
● Prepare a case study on the operations of the project. The project owner must
provide consent on the publication and use of the case study for educational
purposes to the PHILGBC.
● Evaluate the effectivity of the implementation of the education program in the
operations of the project.

MN-07 Tenant Design and Construction Management-

This credit aims to:

● Establish design and construction requirements for tenants to help them in

adopting green building strategies in the fit-out and refurbishment.
● Require tenants to implement sustainable design and construction strategies for
fit-outs and refurbishments of tenant spaces to ensure the implementation of the
sustainability targets of the building.

REQUIREMENTS:
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289

STAGE 1 — DESIGN

● Implement a policy requiring tenants to adhere to design and construction

guidelines.
● Develop guidelines detailing the building's green features, pursued BERDE
credits, tenant requirements aligned with BERDE, documentation needs, and
resources for fit-out or refurbishment.

STAGE 2 — CONSTRUCTION-

● Implement tenant design and construction guidelines by assigning roles for

monitoring, communicating guidelines to tenants, and recording implementation.
● Evaluate the effectiveness of the guidelines by reviewing implementation
success, noting challenges faced, and identifying actions for improvement.

STAGE 3 - OPERATIONS

● Establish an education program on the green building features of the project

● Implement the education program.
● Prepare a case study on the operations of the project. The project owner must
provide consent on the publication and use of the case study for educational
purposes to the PHILGBC.
● Evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the education program in the
operations of the project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BERDE represents a significant step forward for the Philippines in

promoting sustainable building practices tailored to its unique environmental context.
Unlike more globally recognized systems, BERDE considers the specific challenges
posed by the country's tropical climate and environmental regulations. By evaluating
projects against national and municipal standards, BERDE ensures that certified
buildings meet stringent criteria for resource efficiency and environmental performance.
As sustainability continues to gain importance in the construction industry, BERDE's role
in guiding projects towards greener, more sustainable practices is set to grow, shaping
the future of construction in the Philippines for the better.
UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
Sto. Niño, City of Biñan, Laguna
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation
Contact No. (632) 520-8290 local 3006/ (0091763) 92289