Philippine Green Building Code Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of vapor barriers in building construction?

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of walls

To prevent moisture ingress and protect air quality (correct)

To insulate buildings against temperature changes

To facilitate air circulation within the building

Which of the following practices is essential for achieving maximum air tightness in a building?

Incorporating continuous water barriers and appropriate sealing techniques (correct)

Installing larger windows for better natural light

Using only standard building materials without additional sealing

Ensuring that all appliances and fixtures are energy efficient

Which component of a building requires sealing with specific materials like flashing, tape, and joint fillers?

Only the exterior walls

Walls, roofing, ceiling, and floors (correct)

Indoor air ducts

Windows

What can excessive unwanted air infiltration and moisture ingress lead to in a building?

Increased burden on air-conditioning systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of a material classified as a vapor barrier?

Possessing a permeance of one perm or less Signup and view all the answers

How much CO2 equivalent is emitted to generate one kilowatt of electricity in the Manila grid?

0.53 tons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Philippine Green Building Code?

To improve building performance efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What reduction in greenhouse gas emissions does the implementation of the GB Code aim for?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered when selecting green building measures?

Aesthetic appeal Signup and view all the answers

What does the GB Code emphasize for building design and construction?

Efficient use of resources without significant cost increase Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main objectives of the GB Code?

To counter harmful gases responsible for climate change Signup and view all the answers

By what year does the DPWH commit to achieving a 70% reduction in carbon emissions?

2030 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an aspect of the 'GB Code'?

Emphasizing resource management efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum percentage of the Unpaved Surface Area that must be vegetated with indigenous and adaptable species?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of having landscaped areas with indigenous species in building developments?

To provide a permeable surface and support groundwater recharge Signup and view all the answers

How much of national energy consumption is attributed to the building sector, according to 2010 statistics?

36% Signup and view all the answers

Which building systems consume the largest percentage of energy in buildings?

Mechanical systems such as air-conditioning and ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of incorporating green areas in building designs?

Increasing heating costs Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of the building envelope refer to?

The entire exterior surface of a building Signup and view all the answers

Energy-efficient practices are required by the GB Code to achieve which outcomes?

Reduced energy consumption and GHG emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of the building envelope?

To separate indoor and outdoor environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value for metal roof surfaces to ensure energy efficiency?

70 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following colors would be most effective in helping a building remain cooler?

White Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum average thermal resistance value (R-Value) required for roof insulation?

R-8 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of room space floor area should the window opening area have according to the building code?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of building design can maximize the natural flow of air and sunlight?

Placement of windows and doors Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main benefits of roof insulation in buildings?

It reduces heat gain and improves thermal comfort. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of an electrical system in buildings?

To provide electrical power for various systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about natural ventilation is NOT correct?

It is only effective during the summer months. Signup and view all the answers

How is the gross exterior wall of a building measured?

Horizontally from the exterior surface and vertically from the ground floor to the roof Signup and view all the answers

What does the formula SHGCadj = f x SHGC represent?

The adjustment of solar heat gain coefficient for windows with external shading Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for determining the SHGC correction factor (f)?

Overhang Depth (D) and Height (H) from window sill Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to reduce solar heat gain in buildings?

Implementing external shading devices like overhangs or sun breakers Signup and view all the answers

What does an effective natural ventilation system ensure?

Adequate airflow into, around, and out of indoor spaces for occupant health Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum operable window area required for frequently occupied rooms?

10% of the total floor area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor in assessing solar heat gain levels indoors?

Window color Signup and view all the answers

When calculating the designed operable window area, which requirement must be met?

It should be equal to or more than 10% of the GB Code minimum requirement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Use and Climate Change

Around 0.53 tons of CO2 is emitted to generate one kilowatt-hour of electricity.
Buildings account for approximately 36% of the national energy consumption (2010 data from the Department of Energy).

The Philippine Green Building Code

The Philippine Green Building Code (GB Code), launched in June 2015, is a referral code of the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096).
The GB Code aims to improve building performance efficiency by adopting measures for resource management and site sustainability.
It sets standards for resource use, site selection, planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance to minimize environmental impact.
The GB Code aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy, and water consumption by at least 20%.
The DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) aims to achieve a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Objectives of the GB Code

Improve building performance efficiency through standardized measures.
Counter harmful greenhouse gases responsible for climate change effects.
Ensure efficient use of resources, site, design, construction, and maintenance without significant cost increases.

Green Building Principles:

The text does not list specific green building principles.

Green Building Criteria

Feasibility: Measures and technologies should be understood and readily available in the country.
Impact: Measures should provide significant financial, social, or environmental benefits.
Affordability: Measures should include affordable cost and a reasonable payback period.

Green Building Practices

Green building promotes resource management efficiency, site sustainability, and minimizes buildings' negative impact on human health and the environment.
It complements traditional building design concerns like economy, durability, serviceability, and comfort.

Open Space Utilization

A minimum of 50% of the required Unpaved Surface Area (USA) must be vegetated with indigenous and adaptable species.
Green spaces help provide more permeable surfaces, recharge groundwater, control stormwater runoff, cool surroundings, and connect indoor spaces to the outdoors.

Energy Efficiency

Around 50% to 70% of building energy is used for mechanical systems, particularly air-conditioning and ventilation.
The GB Code necessitates implementing efficient practices, designs, methods, and technologies to reduce energy consumption, leading to cost savings, reduced energy consumption, and lower GHG emissions.

Building Envelope

The building envelope physically separates indoor and outdoor environments.
It consists of walls, roofs, doors, and windows that enclose the interior and protect it from weather changes.
The building envelope is composed of various building materials.

Air Tightness and Moisture Protection:

Due to high humidity levels, building air tightness and moisture protection are essential.
Buildings should be planned, designed, and constructed to minimize air infiltration and moisture ingress.
Vapor barriers, with a permeance of one perm or less, are recommended to prevent moisture entry through walls.
Vulnerable points for air and water-tight sealing must be addressed, such as window frames and roof surfaces.

Glass Properties

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) affect indoor heat levels.
External shading, like overhangs, can be used to adjust SHGC limits using correction factors.

Natural Ventilation

Proper air flow into, around, and out of indoor spaces is crucial for occupant health.
Natural ventilation should be incorporated into building design.
The operable window area for each frequently occupied room should be at least 10% of the floor area.
Strategic placement of windows and doors maximizes natural air flow and sunlight.

Building Envelope Color

Metal roofs should be white or have a minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 70.
Lighter colors help buildings stay cooler by reflecting heat.

Roof Insulation

Buildings should have roof insulation with an average thermal resistance value (R-Value) of at least R-8.
Insulation reduces heat gain through the building envelope, improving thermal comfort, acoustic quality, and reducing air-conditioning system load.

Electrical Systems

Electrical systems are facilities that provide power for lighting, mechanical, heating, water, and sewage systems.
The GB Code requires a minimum window opening area of 10% of the room space floor area to provide daylight.

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Description

This quiz explores the Philippine Green Building Code, launched in 2015, which aims to enhance building performance efficiency and sustainability. It covers essential measures for resource management, site selection, and minimizing environmental impacts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Discover the standards set by the GB Code and its objectives in promoting sustainable building practices.