“Sustainability.” We are used to hearing this word in every aspect of our lives—rom the food we eat to the clothes we wear. It has become a buzzword that signifies an essential shift in our mindset towards creating a more environmentally conscious and responsible world.
But what exactly is sustainability in the context of construction? Sustainability in construction encompasses a range of practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of buildings throughout their lifecycle. This includes everything from design and construction to operation and maintenance, with the ultimate goal of minimizing resource consumption, reducing waste, and mitigating environmental harm.
“When it comes to sustainability, the future for our planet appears bleak, and the time we have to take action is rapidly diminishing,” I spoke this line during my recent talk at the event hosted by ARCADIA with the theme “BUILD FOR TOMORROW: Shaping the Future of Construction through Sustainability,” as I discussed how sustainability shapes the construction industry’s future.
According to the 2021 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction by the United Nations Environment Programme paints a stark reality: building operations and construction generated a staggering 13.1 gigatons or 38% of the global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. These numbers underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices in the construction sector.
This is a wake-up call for the construction industry to prioritize sustainability and take action to reduce its environmental impact. And since our home town—the Philippines, is a developing country with a booming construction industry, sustainability must be at the forefront of our strategies and practices.
It is good that in the ever-evolving landscape of global sustainable building trends, changes are driven by societal demands, technical advancements, and environmental imperatives. Key trends include Integrating renewable energy sources, Adopting circular economy principles, Implementing water conservation practices, and Constructing green buildings. These trends reflect a growing commitment to sustainability and recognizing the need to reduce environmental impact.
As Arcadia is a corporate network hub for exchanging best practices and resources, driving cost-effective and efficient sustainability solutions, I am proud that Wilcon Depot was invited to this kind of event that aligns with our company’s mission, which is to build, improve, and refine Filipinos homes for sustainable and comfortable life.
In fact, we have advocated sustainable construction for years, promoting sustainable products like Alphalux portable solar and LED floodlights. Our ONIX pool tiles are made from 98% recycled glass, promoting a sustainable construction approach. Our eco-friendly bathroom solutions like POZZI and GROHE have water-saving features. P.TECH baseboards and Rubi Tile Cutters both adhere to environmental standards. This shows that extending this principle to our planet is equally important as much as we strive to incorporate integrity into our business practices.
Also, Wilcon Depot has installed solar power systems in 50 out of 92 stores, partnering with Spectrum, a subsidiary of Meralco, to reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs.
At Wilcon, we empower people through sustainable practices. Constructing materials and solutions that improve their homes’ functionality and appearance while simultaneously advancing environmental sustainability.
The ARCADIA event was a perfect platform to showcase our commitment to sustainable construction and exchange ideas with other industry leaders. From sharing insights about green building materials to implementing sustainable business models, the event provided an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and inspire change.
It is clear that sustainability is a multifaceted concept requiring all industry stakeholders’ collective effort. So, I encourage the readers to let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for sustainable construction, paving the way for a greener, more resilient world.
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