Philippine Green Building Code
Philippine Green Building Code
Philippine Green Building Code
A Referral Code
of the
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
(P.D. 1096)
Message Foreword
In recent years, countries in the Asia-Pacific region
started to adopt measures that promote resource
My warmest greetings to the Department of management efficiency and site sustainability while
Public Works and Highways on the minimizing the effects of buildings on human health
implementation of the Philippine Green Building and environment by practicing Green Building.
Code of 2016.
The time has come for the Philippines to champion
Today is an historic moment as the government, the implementation of greener measures to address
through the DPWH, implements the Green climate change. With the Department of Public
be one of our enduring legacies to succeeding Finance Corporation of the World Bank group, the
generations and the fulfillment of our duty to clamor for sustainable building regulations has been
secure their rights, welfare, and protection. I am answered.
filled with pride that the country is now part of the
global movement towards ecological The Philippine Green Building Code, a referral code to the National Building Code of the
conscientiousness and sustainability. Philippines, rallies to lessen the impacts of buildings to health and environment through
resource management efficiency.
I am confident that the ideas contained in this document will help ensure that all
structures built from here on will have minimal impact on our environment, complying A gamut of minimum standards aimed to reduce greenhouse emissions and introduce
with various standards of quality and efficiency, and fulfilling criteria that allow electricity and cost savings for buildings is imposed to applicable building falling under
occupants to lead meaningful lives. certain gross floor area to deliver improved energy efficiency, water and wastewater
management, materials sustainability, solid waste management, site sustainability and
Indeed, a new era has dawned over our nation. Informed by the lessons of the past, and indoor environmental quality.
mindful of the needs of the future, building better is not just an option but an
indispensable part of our efforts towards achieving real, lasting progress. Through the With the implementation of this Code and the promise of reducing greenhouse gas
observance of the principles and guidelines laid down in the GB Code, we will create a emissions and energy and water consumption by at least 20%, DPWH will herald the
Philippines that we can be proud to bequeath to the next generation. reduce carbon emissions
by 70% in 2030.
We took the first steps in engineering this Code with the help of professional
associations and stakeholders to answer the call for a sustainable building regulation.
We now call upon our stakeholders, end-users, customers and other relevant parties
to lend your hands to us as, together, we achieve an environmentally sound Philippines.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE ii THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 1
4.3 Occupants of green buildings will benefit from improved indoor environmental 8.3 When alterations, additions, conversions and renovations of existing
quality, which promotes higher productivity and better comfort. buildings constructed after the effectivity of the GB code, which reached the
TGFA as indicated in Table 1 are to be made, the whole building shall be
Section 5. Definition of Terms subject to the applicable provisions of the GB Code.
The words, terms and phrases as used in this GB Code shall have the meaning or 8.4 A building of mixed occupancy with combination of classification as indicated
definition as indicated in the National Building Code (NBC) and Annex 1. in Table 1, shall use appropriate measures applicable to each classification.
Section 6. Green Building Concept CHAPTER II. GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
Green building is the practice of adopting measures that promote resource
Section 9. Performance Standards
management efficiency and site sustainability while minimizing the negative impact of
buildings on human health and the environment. This practice complements the
The GB Code shall be subject to the following performance standards:
conventional building design concerns of economy, durability, serviceability and
comfort. 9.1 Energy Efficiency
9.2 Water Efficiency
Section 7. Approach 9.3 Material Sustainability
9.4 Solid Waste Management
The GB Code adopts a staggered or incremental approach and is subject to periodic 9.5 Site Sustainability
review by the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), 9.6 Indoor Environmental Quality
through the National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO), to modify or include
new aspects and emerging efficient technologies and expand the coverage to other
building use / occupancy or replace outmoded measures. Section 10. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency requires the adoption of efficient practices, designs, methods and
Section 8. Building Use / Occupancy Coverage and Application technologies that reduce energy consumption resulting in cost savings.
8.1 The provisions of the GB Code shall apply to all new construction and/or with 10.1 BUILDING ENVELOPE
alteration of buildings in the following classification with the required
minimum Total Gross Floor Areas (TGFA) as indicated in Table 1 below: 10.1.1 Air Tightness and Moisture Protection
a. General
Table 1. Minimum TGFA for Building Use / Occupancy As the humidity levels are very high in the Philippines, the unwanted
infiltration and humidity ingress into the spaces can cause additional
load on the air conditioning system and a detrimental impact on air
1 quality. Buildings must be planned and designed with specific details
to ensure that air tightness is maximized. Details should precisely
include joints, service entry points, windows and doors. The
implementation of these measures requires only increased attention to
the construction details and it can be implemented at practically no
cost.
b. Applicability
2 This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
1
For Residential Dwelling: Condominium, the TGFA is the sum of the dwelling areas, common and c. Requirements
accessory areas within the building. Buildings shall be planned and designed with:
2
The areas for Mixed Occupancy classification shall have a total aggregate area equal to the TGFA i. Complete gaskets, weather-stripping, door bottom sweeps and
8.2 GB Code does not apply to existing buildings of the above use / occupancy seals within and around window and door assemblies
classification constructed before the effectivity of the GB Code.
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 2 THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 3
ii. Moisture protection on the surface of the external façade to reduce
vapor or moisture migration from external spaces
d. Exceptions
Buildings and spaces without provisions for air conditioning systems
are exempt.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is used to determine the amount SHGC limits can be adjusted by multiplying it with the correction
of solar heat admitted through the glass divided by the total solar factors summarized in the following tables, using the formula:
radiation incident on the glass.
SHGCadj = f x SHGC
Visible light Transmittance (VLT) is used to determine the amount of where:
light transmitted through the glass.
SHGCadj is the adjusted solar heat gain coefficient limit for
b. Applicability windows with external shading
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1. SHGC is the solar heat gain coefficient
c. Requirements f is the SHGC correction factor for the external shading
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c. Exceptions
There are no exceptions to this provision.
Table 3. Correction factor for each horizontal overhang shading projection
a. General
Light-colored building envelope, especially the roof areas which are
the most vulnerable, can reduce heat transfer from the outside to the
Table 4. Correction factor for each vertical fin shading projection inside of the building by having surfaces with high Solar Reflectance
Index (SRI).
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements
i.
d. Exceptions
There are no exceptions to this provision.
a. General
This measure will give building occupants the flexibility and opportunity
to use natural ventilation for free cooling and fresh air in regularly
occupied spaces. This measure will limit the tendency to create glass-
sealed box type buildings. Size of each room and space shall be
consistent with the occupancy load of the NBC.
ii. All operable windows shall be provided with safety features for protection
against strong winds, water penetration and protection for building
occupants including child safety and security.
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10.4 ROOF INSULATION
a. General
Insulation can help reduce heat gain in a building thus improving
thermal comfort, acoustic quality and reducing the load on the air
conditioning system.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements
Buildings shall be provided with roof insulation so that the average
d. Exceptions. There are no exceptions to this provision. thermal resistance value (R-Value) of the roof is at least R-8. See
Annex 4 (Insulation R-Value).
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 8 THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 9
d. Exceptions. There are no exceptions to this provision.
10.5 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Table 7. Electrically Operated Unitary Air Conditioners and Condensing Units
10.5.1 Air Conditioning System
a. General
Air conditioning typically accounts for more than fifty percent (50%) of
total electricity costs in a centrally air conditioned building. Hence, the
efficiency of an air conditioning system is of prime importance. The
heart of the air conditioning system is the cooling system, typically
chillers in large buildings and is important to procure an efficient
cooling system.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements
The cooling equipment shall meet or exceed the minimum efficiency
requirements as indicated in Tables 7 and 8.
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Table 8. Water Chiller Packages Minimum Efficiency Requirements 10.5.2 Water Heating System
a. General
The use of energy-efficient water heating systems in buildings, by
observing minimum power performance requirements, will help reduce
energy consumption due to heating of water.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
d. Exceptions
Buildings with no water heating systems and buildings with using solar
water heating and/or heat pump for water heating are exempt.
d. Exceptions
Buildings with no air-conditioning systems are exempt.
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Table 9. Minimum Performance Requirements for Water Heating Equipment 10.5.3. Variable Speed Drives and High Efficiency Motors
a. General
Variable Speed Drive (VSD) describes the equipment used to control
the speed of machinery by changing the frequency of the motor that is
being operated. Where process conditions demand adjustment of flow
from a pump or fan, varying the speed of the drive may save energy
compared with other techniques for flow control.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements
All motors for domestic pumps shall have high efficiency motors as
indicated in Table 10.
d. Exceptions
Kitchen ventilation fans are exempt from this requirement. Non-
centralized air-conditioning systems in buildings are not required to
employ variable speed controllers.
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Table 10. Motor Efficiencies 10.5.4. Enthalpy Recovery of Exhaust Air
a. General
When buildings have outside air or fresh air supply and extract system
through mechanical means, using heat exchangers can use the air
extracted from the building areas to pre-condition the incoming
outdoor air. This process exploits the fact that the extract air is usually
already conditioned and therefore colder and drier.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements.
All buildings with centralized air supply system shall use enthalpy
recovery wheels with efficiency of at least sixty percent (60%) of ninety
percent (90%) exhaust air.
d. Exceptions.
Buildings without centralized cooling systems are exempt.
a. General
Building should be planned and designed to maximize the use of
natural light so to reduce the use of artificial illumination.
b. Applicability.
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1. For residential condominiums, it does not apply to individual
dwelling units.
c. Requirements.
All regularly occupied spaces inside the building shall have a view of
any combination of the following features that can allow daylight into
the room space:
Window
Light shelf
Clerestory
Skylight
Light monitor / light scoop
Other devices that can allow daylight inside
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d. Exceptions 10.6.3 Lighting Power Density (LPD)
Spaces where daylight access hinders its intended function are
exempt from this provision with justification for exemption. a. General
Limitation of LPD will help to design the lighting system in the most
10.6.2 Daylight Controlled Lighting System efficient way and reduce the lighting and cooling load in the buildings. 3
The maximum allowed LPD for each space type is specified in Table
a. General 11.
Building interior perimeter zones exposed to daylight generally do not 3
The IIEE Manual on the Practice of Efficient Lighting System can be a
require artificial lighting during the day. However, sub-optimal design reference for the design of building lighting systems
and operation of the building results in use of artificial lighting when
not required. b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
Photoelectric sensors connected to luminaires help in dimming or 1.
switching off lamps that do not require to be operated due to presence c. Requirements
of adequate daylight. All applicable building types shall comply with the LPD limits in the
2010 PSVARE Standards, as shown in Table 11.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as stated in Table 1. Table 11. Maximum Allowed LPD4
For residential condominiums, this applies only to common indoor
areas with access to daylight.
c. Requirements
Applicable buildings shall comply with the following:
i. Lighting fixtures within the daylight zone shall be controlled with
photoelectric sensors with an auto on-off basis or continual dimming.
The photoelectric sensor shall be located approximately at half (½) the
depth of daylight zone.
ii. If occupancy sensors are installed in the daylight zone, the occupancy
sensor shall override the photoelectric sensor during non-occupancy 4
period. Above requirement excludes parking and exterior lighting (see Table 12)
d. Exceptions
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There are no exceptions to this provision.
10.6.4 Occupancy Sensors for Lighting Control c. Requirements
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 20 THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 21
10.6.6 Transformer Section 11. WATER EFFICIENCY
a. General Water efficiency requires the adoption of efficient practices, plan, design, materials,
The transformer shall be tested in accordance with relevant Philippine fixtures, equipment and methods that reduce water consumption resulting in cost
National Standards (PNS) at test conditions of full load, free of savings.
harmonics and at unity power factor.
11.1 WATER FIXTURES
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies, with own a. General
transformer, as indicated in Table 1. Efficient water fixtures include faucets, showerheads and water closets
that use less water in order to perform the same function of cleaning as
c. Requirements effectively as standard models. Water efficiency is an important aspect,
Transformers that are part of the building electrical system shall have especially as fresh water resources start getting depleted at a rate faster
efficiencies not lower than 98% as prescribed in the DOE Guidelines than they are replenished. Use of efficient plumbing fixtures, sensors,
on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings. auto control valves, aerators, flow control and pressure-reducing devices,
wherever possible, can result in significant reduction in water
d. Exceptions consumption.
There are no exceptions to this provision.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table 1.
10.6.7 Overhead or Elevated Water Storage
c. Requirements
a. General Applicable buildings shall comply with the requirements as shown in
To reduce dependence on motorized systems to supply and distribute Table 13.
potable or non-potable water within the building, thus help reduce
energy consumption, overhead or elevated water storage systems are d. Exceptions.
used nt (20%) fire reserve over and There are no exceptions to this provision.
above the average daily demand supply. The system relies mostly on
elevation and gravity to distribute water within the building. Table 13 Water Fixture Performance Requirements
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements
Applicable buildings shall include in the water distribution system the
integration of overhead or elevated water tanks that will facilitate the
distribution of potable and / or non-potable water into the building
spaces, without compromising the required water volume and
pressure based on demand and the Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
d. Exceptions
Buildings below ten (10) storeys high are exempt from this provision.
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11.2 WATER MANAGEMENT Section 12. MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY
11.2.1 Rainwater Harvesting Material Sustainability governs all matters related to resource efficiency and material
selection and use with the least impact on the environment.
a. General
Rainwater is one of the purest sources of water available. Rainwater 12.1 Non-Toxic Materials
from roofs and hardscape must be collected and reused for non-
potable purposes. a. General
Non-Toxic building materials refer to building materials without hazardous
b. Applicability or toxic chemicals that could cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table eventually lead to Building Related Illness (BRI).
1.
b. Applicability
c. Requirements This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table 1.
i. Minimum storage tanks size (in cu.m) shall be calculated by dividing
c. Requirements
the building footprint area by 75.
ii. Collected water shall be used for non-potable purposes such as i. Paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants used indoors or non-
toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling towers. ventilated areas shall not contain Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC) or should be within levels tolerable to humans as specified in
d. Exceptions. Table 14.
There are no exceptions to this provision.
ii. Composite wood shall not have urea formaldehyde content.
iii. All other materials containing chemicals used in construction shall not
11.2.2 Water Recycling compromise and be deleterious to the health and safety of the workers
and occupants of the building.
a. General
Recycled water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) shall be reused iv. Specifications shall comply with the allowable VOC limits as stated in
for non-potable purposes. Table 14 with Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from supplier and
other certification to justify the compliance of the material.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table d. Exceptions
1. There are no exceptions to this provision.
c. Requirements
The recycled water produced on site shall be reused for non-potable
purposes such as toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling towers, through
a distinct and separate piping system from the potable water supply
system.
d. Exceptions
Buildings with no dedicated STP are exempted from this requirement.
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Table 14. VOC Limits Section 13. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Efficient waste management requires the adoption of efficient waste management
practices and use of eco-friendly materials.
a. General
MRF shall be provided for the collection and segregation of solid waste
materials
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table 1.
c. Requirements
i. Buildings shall be provided with a minimum area for MRF as specified in
Table 15.
ii. MRF shall be fully enclosed and easily accessible from within the building
and from the outside for easy collection of waste.
iii. Solid waste containers shall be provided for at least four (4) types of wastes:
- compostable (biodegradable)
- non-recyclable (to be disposed off in the landfill)
- recyclable (paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, etc.)
- special waste
iv. For hospitals, isolated bins for hazardous wastes shall be provided to avoid
contamination.
d. Exceptions
There are no exceptions to this provision.
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Section 14. SITE SUSTAINABILITY b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table 1.
Site sustainability requires the adoption of planning, design, construction and operation
practices that minimize the adverse impact of buildings on ecosystems and water c. Requirements
resources. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required Unpaved Surface Area
(USA), as required in Rule VII and VIII of the NBC, shall be vegetated with
14.1 Site / Ground Preparation and Earthworks indigenous and adaptable species.
a. General d. Exceptions
Site clearing, grading and excavation shall be planned at the start of There are no exceptions to this provision.
construction to mitigate pollution caused by erosion and sedimentation
taking into consideration existing endemic foliage as regulated by the
DENR. Section 15. INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
All existing utilities and water bodies and waterways, shall be protected Indoor Environmental Quality requires the adoption of efficient design and operation
and shall not be disturbed. practices that take into consideration the building environment to improve occupant
health, productivity and safety.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all building occupancies as indicated in Table 1. 15.1 Minimum Fresh Air Rates
c. Requirements a. General
Measures for site protection shall be in place before the start of The building indoor environment can contain more contaminants many
construction. times over than the outside. Various studies have shown that indoor air
contaminants can cause health disorders, through symptoms of SBS and
i. Building site erosion and sedimentation control plan that outlines measures
to be applied to prevent soil that can run-off at the natural bodies of water, BRI. The introduction and application of minimum fresh air rates will
causing water pollution. maintain acceptable indoor air quality thru the constant replacement of
indoor air in buildings.
ii. Additional measures to mitigate the effect of pollution and safety on
construction conforming to Rule XI of the NBC b. Applicability
This measure applies to all buildings occupancies as indicated in Table
iii. Storm water collection management plan 1.
iv. Structures or facilities for storm water collection c. Requirements
Compliance to the minimum fresh air rates provided in the latest
d. Exceptions Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating
There are no exceptions to this provision. Engineers (PSVARE) Standards. See Table 16.
14.2 Open Space Utilization d. Exceptions
There are no exceptions to this provision.
a. General
The inclusion of green areas or landscaped areas for indigenous or
adaptable species of grass, shrubs and trees will help in providing more
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 28 THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 29
Table 16. Minimum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone
a. General
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is one of the leading causes of
respiratory illnesses in building occupants. RA 9211, the Tobacco
Regulations Act, restricts tobacco smoking in public spaces and the
prescription of designated smoking areas inside buildings.
b. Applicability
This measure applies to all buildings occupancies as indicated in Table
1.
c. Requirements
i.
in compliance with the RA 9514 (Fire Code of the
Philippines 2008), shall be posted in conspicuous areas of the building and
property premises to remind building occupants of the policy.
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 30 THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 31
who possess diversified and professional experience in the field of green building
ii. If smoking is only allowed outdoors, designated smoking areas shall be planning, design and construction.
naturally ventilated, outside of the building shell and away from building Section 18. PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
entrances, windows and outside supply air (OSA) intakes by at least ten (10)
meters.
The Executive Director of NBCDO shall chair the Technical Working Group (TWG) and
iii. If smoking is allowed indoors, designated smoking areas shall be provided, may make arrangements with the Secretary for compensation of the services of the
partitioned from the rest of the indoor areas. Partitions shall be from floor to TWG. He may also engage and compensate within appropriations available thereof, the
soffit of the next floor or roof structure. Enclosed smoking areas shall be services of such number of consultants, experts and advisers on full or part-time basis
equipped with adequate exhaust system with exhaust rate in accordance as may be necessary coming from any concerned government agency or private
with the latest PSVARE Standards. Exhaust shall directly vent out to the business, Accredited Professional Organizations (APO) and other associations to carry
outside of the building and away from any building openings or air intakes. out the provisions of the GB Code. The members are the duly authorized
representatives from the following:
iv. Doors and windows of enclosed smoking area shall always be closed and
well sealed. Negative pressure within is recommended to prevent smoke
infiltration to adjacent spaces. 18.1 CCC (Climate Change Commission)
18.2 DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)
d. Exceptions 18.3 DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government)
Buildings with a general polic
18.4 DOE (Department of Energy)
may be exempted from having designated smoking areas.
18.5 DOST (Department of Science and Technology)
18.6 DTI (Department of Trade and Industry)
CHAPTER III. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 18.7 GEP (Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines)
18.8 IECEP (Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines)
18.9 IIEE (Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers)
Section 16. OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL BUILDING OFFICIAL 18.10 PALA (Philippine Association of Landscape Architects)
18.11 PICE (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers)
The Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as the 18.12 PIEP (Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners)
concurrent National Building Official, pursuant to Section 203 of the NBC, through the
NBCDO, shall regularly review the GB Code not to exceed three (3) years from the date 18.13 PIID (Philippine Institute of Interior Designers)
of effectivity and every three (3) years thereafter. 18.14 PSME (Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers)
18.15 PSSE (Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers)
For this purpose, the NBCDO shall convene the Technical Working Group (TWG) to 18.16 UAP (United Architects of the Philippines)
review and update the GB Code implementation vis-à-vis current and emerging trends
18.17 BOMAP (Building Owners and Managers Association of the Philippines)
in the industry and make recommendations for reform.
18.18 PABA (Philippine Association of Building Administrators)
The NBCDO shall serve as the center for the development and promotion of green 18.19 PABO (Philippine Association of the Building Officials)
buildings in the Philippines. As such, it shall be the repository of resource materials
relating to green buildings. It shall also be responsible for developing modules and
providing green building training.
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ANNEX 1 DEFINITION OF TERMS
CHAPTER IV. CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Accredited Professional Organizations (APO) - professional organizations accredited
by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
Section 19. GREEN BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS
Addition - any new construction which increases the height and / or floor area of
The Office of the Building Official shall review the building permit application for Green existing buildings / structures
Buildings as prepared by the design professionals in compliance with the requirements
of the GB Code and the various referral codes in accordance with Rule 3 of the NBC. Air Conditioning - the process of treating air so as to control simultaneously its
temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution to meet the requirements of
conditioned space
Section 20. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE Alteration - works in buildings / structures involving changes in the materials used,
partitioning, location / size of openings, structural parts, existing utilities and equipment
Should any part or provision of the GB Code be held unconstitutional or invalid by a but does not increase the building height and/or floor area
competent court, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
shall continue to be in full force and effect. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) - global society founded in 1894, advancing human well-being through
sustainable technology for the built environment with focus on building systems, energy
Section 21. EFFECTIVITY efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry
building owners and investors through market intelligence, education, networking, and
Section 22. TRANSITORY PROVISION government advocacy
Those projects with building designs and plans that have already been prepared and signed by British thermal unit (Btu) - amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of
all duly licensed design professionals shall be exempt from the coverage, provided that the one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit
request for exemption shall be filed with the Office of the Building Official within 30 days after
the effectivity of this Code.
Building Official (BO) - the Executive Officer of the Office of the Building Official (OBO)
appointed by the Secretary
Building Permit - document issued by the Building Official (BO) to an owner / applicant
to proceed with the construction, installation, addition, alteration, renovation,
conversion, repair, moving, demolition or other work activity of a specific
project/building/structure or portions thereof after the accompanying principal plans,
specifications and other pertinent documents with the duly notarized application are
found satisfactory and substantially conforming with the NBC and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations (IRR).
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE 34 THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE
Building Related Illness (BRI) - diagnosable illness whose cause and symptoms can Department of Energy (DOE) - the executive department of the Philippine Government
be directly attributed to a specific pollutant source within a building responsible for preparing, integrating, coordinating, supervising and controlling all plans,
programs, projects and activities of the Government relative to energy exploration,
Car, elevator the load-carrying unit including its platform, enclosure and door or gate development, utilization, distribution and conservation
Clerestory - high windows above eye level Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - the executive
department of the Philippine Government responsible for supervising and managing the
Climate Change - refers to any significant change in measures of climate, such as different programs and implementing rules governing the use and development of the
temperature, precipitation, or wind, lasting for an extended period country's natural resources
Climate Change Commission (CCC) - the lead policy-making body of the government Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - the executive department of
tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate programs and action plans on climate the Philippine Government responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public
change safety and strengthening local government capability aimed towards the effective
delivery of basic services to the citizenry
Coefficient of Performance (COP) - ratio of heating or cooling provided to electrical
energy consumed where higher COPs equate to lower operating costs Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - executive department of the
Philippine Government that functions as the engineering and construction arm of the
Common Area - part of the building premises is used by the occupants, owners, Government tasked to continuously develop its technology for the purpose of ensuring
tenants or other building users of which the landlord retains control and is responsible to the safety of all infrastructure facilities and securing for all public works and highways
maintain in a reasonably safe condition that includes spaces such as lobby, corridor, the highest efficiency and quality in construction
hallway, toilet, elevator or stairway
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - the executive department of the
Compostable waste - mixture of various organic substances that can be placed into a Philippine Government responsible for the coordination of science and technology-
composition of decaying biodegradable materials which eventually turns into a nutrient- related projects in the Philippines and to formulate policies and projects in the fields of
rich material, used for fertilizing soil science and technology in support of national development
Construction - all on-site work done in the site preparation, excavation, foundation, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - the executive department of the Philippine
assembly of all the components and installation of utilities, machineries and equipment Government tasked to expand Philippine trade, industries and investments as the
of buildings / structures means to generate jobs and raise incomes for Filipinos
Conversion - change in the use or occupancy of buildings / structures or any portion/s Door assembly - unit composed of a group of parts or components which make up a
thereof, which has different requirements closure for an opening to control passageway through a wall which consists of the
following parts: door; hinges; locking device or devices; operation contacts (such as
Daylight - the natural light of day, which is a combination of all direct and indirect handles, knobs, push plates); miscellaneous hardware and closures; the frame,
sunlight during the daytime including the head, threshold and jambs plus the anchorage devices
Daylight Zone - area substantially illuminated by daylight consistently receiving Elevator - a hoisting and lowering mechanism other than a dumbwaiter or freight
significant quantities of daylight during the day ( elevator which is designed to carry passanger or authorized personnel, in a protected
enclosure (elevator car) which moves along fixed guides in a vertical direction serving
Demolition systematic dismantling or destruction of a building/structure, in whole or in two or more fixed landings/ floors on a hoistway.
part
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) - energy efficiency rating for room air conditioners that
Department - the Department of Public Works and Highways lists how many Btu per hour are used for each watt of power it draws
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) - secondhand smoke consisting of airborne Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) - the integrated
particles emitted from the burning end of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, exhaled by accredited professional organization of professional electronics engineers, electronics
smokers containing about 4,000 compounds, up to 50 of which are known to cause engineers and electronics technicians, whose objective is to promote, through scientific
cancer inquiry and study the advancement of electronics in theory and practice, and its
application to allied fields of engineering and to human needs
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) -
Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) - the accredited
organization of Electrical Engineers that aims to instill excellence to Electrical Engineers
Escalator a power driven, inclined, continuous stairway for raising or lowering and to give contribution to the development of the Philippines
passengers
Joint - a space between the adjacent surfaces of two bodies joined and held together
Executive Director - the executive officer or head of the NBCDO
Light Monitor - raised structure running along the ridge of a double-pitched roof, with
Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines (GEP) - accredited professional organization its own roof running parallel with the main roof
of Geodetic Engineers composed of technically competent engineers with a high degree
of integrity, moral standards and professionalism and at pace with modern geodetic Light Scoop - south-facing skylight, that uses tilted panels of transparent glass to
engineering technologies strategically bring daylight into an interior space.
Government Agency refers to any of the various units of the government including a Light Shelf - a horizontal surface that reflects daylight deep into a building, placed
department, bureau, office, instrumentality, or government owned or controlled above eye-level with high-reflectance upper surfaces, which reflect daylight onto the
corporation ceiling and deeper into the space
Harmonics - increased heating in equipment and conductors, the reduction of which is Lighting Power Density (LPD) - amount of electric lighting, usually measured in watts
desirable per square foot, being used to illuminate a given space
Hazardous anything that involves risk or danger to the safety and welfare of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) - a facility designed to receive, sort, process, and
public store compostable and recyclable materials efficiently and in an environmentally sound
manner
Heat Island Effect (HIE) - describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural
areas Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - data providing procedures for handling or
working with a material or product in a safe manner, which includes information such as
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - system that helps maintain good physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective
indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort equipment and spill handling procedures
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) a non-profit learned Mixed Occupancy - enclosed structure with two or more primary usages and where at
society whose mission is to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those least two of these primary usages fall into different classification of use
with lighting knowledge and translating that knowledge into actions that would benefit
the public Moving Ramp / Walkway a type of horizontal passenger-carrying device on which
passengers stand or walk, with its surface remaining parallel to its direction of motion is
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) - rules and regulations necessary in the uninterrupted
implementation of the provisions of GB Code
National Building Code (NBC) P.D. 1096 is a uniform building code in the
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) - conditions inside the building that includes air Philippines which embodies up-to-date and modern technical knowledge on building
quality, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant design, construction, use, occupancy and maintenance
control over lighting and thermal comfort
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National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) - created through DPWH Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) the accredited professional
Department Order, assist the Secretary in the administration and enforcement of the organization of Interior Designers creating platforms for learning and sustainable
provisions of the GB Code and its IRR creativity, adhering to international standards while preserving the Filipino heritage
Non-recyclable Waste - not able to be processed or treated for reuse in some form Philippine National Standards (PNS) - documents established by consensus through
technical committees and approved by the Department of Trade and Industry Bureau of
Office of the Building Official (OBO) - the office authorized to enforce the provisions Product Standards that ensures desirable characteristics of products and services such
of NBC and its IRR in the field as well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made as quality, environmental friendliness, safety, reliability, efficiency and interchangeability
pursuant thereto
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) the organization of
Operable Window - a window unit with one or more sections that can be opened for Mechanical Engineers in the Philippines uniting and enjoining the mechanical engineers
ventilation in the pursuit of further professional growth and to uplift the profession
Overall Thermal Transfer Value - (OTTV) measure of the energy consumption of a Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers (PSSE) - the only professional organization
building envelope of Sanitary Engineers in the Philippines accredited by PRC and soon to be renamed to
Philippine Society of Environmental and Sanitary Engineers, Inc. (PSEnSE)
Outside Supply Air (OSA) - air containing at least the minimum volume of outside air
filtered and conditioned to the required temperature and humidity Philippine Society of Ventilating Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers
(PSVARE) - is a duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization, the members of
Parking, Covered - parking under roof that does not contribute to the heat island effect which are consultants, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers who are all involved in the
practice of air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems
Parking, Open - parking structure with wall openings open to the atmosphere,
distributed over 40 percent of the building perimeter or uniformly over two opposing Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) - the instrument of the Filipino people in
sides to provide ventilation securing for the nation a reliable, trustworthy and progressive system of determining the
competence of professionals by credible and valid licensure examinations and
Philippine Association of Building Administrators (PABA) a non-profit standards of professional practice that are globally recognized
organization for Building Administrators and Property Managers
Photoelectric Sensor - a device used to detect the distance, absence, or presence of
Philippine Association of Building Officials (PABO) association of Building an object by using a light transmitter, often infrared and a photoelectric receiver
Officials in the Philippines
R-Value - resistance value or the capacity to resist heat loss or its thermal resistance
Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) - the integrated and
accredited organization of landscape architecture professionals responsible for the Recyclable Waste - an item or material capable of being used again
advancement of the profession as an instrument of service in improving the quality of
life within a better natural and built environment Referral Codes the applicable provisions of the various agency and technical
professional codes supplementary to the NBC and GB Code
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) - a professional organization for civil
engineers in the Philippines formed by merging two separate organizations of civil Regularly Occupied Space - areas where one or more individuals normally spend time
engineers: one group working from government sector and the second group working in (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or standing as they work,
the private sector study, or perform other focused activities inside a building
Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) - a national organization of Renovation - any physical change made on buildings/structures to increase the value,
professionally trained planners who will make an advancement in the studies of quality, and/or to improve the aesthetic
environmental planning in the best interest of the nation
Repair - remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated portion/s of building /
structure to restore to its original condition
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) - energy efficiency rating for central air U-Value - describes how well a building element conducts heat, measuring the rate of
conditioners heat transfer through a building element over a given area, under standardized
conditions
Secretary - head or chief executive officer of the DPWH
United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) - the Integrated and Accredited
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) - an industrial structure designed to Professional Organization of Architects in the Philippines responsible in the
remove biological or chemical waste products from water, thereby permitting the treated improvement and sustainability of the quality of built environment
water to be used for other purposes
Unity Power Factor - power factor of 1.0 obtained when current and voltage are in
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) - Building whose occupants experience acute health phase, as in a circuit containing only resistance or in a reactive circuit at resonance.
and/or comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent therein, but where no
specific illness or cause can be identified Unpaved Surface Area (USA) - the portion of the lot that shall remain unpaved and
reserved for softscaping / planting; expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot Area
Smoking Area - a designated area in which smoking is permitted or TLA and may be combined with the Impervious Surface Area (ISA) to satisfy the
Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL), i.e., the total open space requirement for each
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) - fraction of solar gain admitted through a type of use or occupancy
window, expressed as a number between 0 and 1
Urea formaldehyde - combination of urea and formaldehyde used in some glues and
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) - adhesives, particularly in composite wood products, emitting formaldehyde at room
white or light colors having high reflectance and dark or black surfaces with low or little temperature, which is a toxic and possibly carcinogenic gas
reflectance thereby having higher temperatures
Variable Speed Drive (VSD) - a piece of equipment that regulates the speed and
Special Waste - a class of waste that has unique regulatory requirements with potential rotational force, or torque output, of an electric motor.
environmental impacts that needs to be managed to minimize the risk of harm to the
environment and human health Variable-Voltage and Variable-Frequency (VVVF) - employs frequency inverter
technology which regulates input voltage and frequency throughout the journey, drawing
Staff - personnel of the NBCDO much less current during acceleration and deceleration
Storey portion of a building/structure included between the uppermost surface (or Ventilation process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to
finish level) of any floor and the uppermost surface (or finish level) of the next floor or from any space.
above or below it. If the uppermost surface (or finish level) of a floor/level above the
uppermost surface (or finish level) of a basement, cellar or unused under-floor space is Visible Transmittance (Tvis) - the ratio of total transmitted light to total incident light
more than 3.60 meters above established grade as defined herein at any point, such with the higher value allowing more incident light to pass through the glazing
basement, cellar or unused under-floor space shall be considered a storey. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) - organic chemicals with have a high vapor
pressure at ordinary room temperature that are dangerous to human health or cause
Sun breaker - feature of a building commonly used as external shading devices, which harm to the environment
reduces heat gain within that building by deflecting solar rays to reduce energy cooling
loads Weather-Stripping - narrow piece of material, such as plastic, rubber, felt, or metal,
installed around doors and windows to protect an interior from external extremes in
Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) - the total floor space within the main auxiliary temperature.
buildings primarily consisting of the GFA and all other enclosed support areas together
with all other usable horizontal areas/surfaces above and below established grade level Window assembly - a unit, which includes a window and the anchorage between the
that are all physically attached to the building/s which shall consists of the following: window and the wall
Covered areas used for parking and driveways, services and utilities.
Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) - ratio of the total area of a building facade, which is
Toxic Materials - substances that may cause harm to an individual if it enters the body occupied by windows (glass area and frame)
through inhalation, skin contactor ingestion
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ANNEX 2 GLASS LIBRARY
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE
THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE
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ANNEX 3 Insulating Values of Common Building Materials
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ANNEX 4 Philippine Green Building Code Activities
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Philippine Philippine Green Building Code Training of Trainers
Green Building Code Writeshop (Clark, Pampanga)
April 27-28, 2015
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Other Philippine GB Code Meetings/ Activities
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