The PHILGBC will implement this project through the delivery of the following: (i) further development of rating system specifications, (ii) development of the scoring mechanism and software, (iii) design and development of accreditation requirements and procedures for implementing the rating system, (iv) design and development of training curriculum for accrediting assessors, (v) review and upgrading of the design of the buildings selected for demonstration in meeting system requirements and (vi) certification of buildings using the system.

To read the full article as posted in the PHILGBC website just follow this LINK

The interview with Anna is copied in below. To visit this page in the WGBC website you can click here. All featured profiles can be viewed by clicking here.

Anna Tungol

Name: MA. ANNA G. TUNGOL

Position: BOARD MEMBER / CORPORATE SECRETARY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PHILGBC NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

Organisation: PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, INC. [PHILGBC]

What was your first job?

My first job was with the ASEAN Environmental Improvement Project, a USAID funded project, implemented by the Louis Berger Group. I worked as the Management Information Specialist. This job opened my eyes to the environmental issues faced by industries.

Also, in my previous work I engaged with private and public sector as well as donor funding agencies, which helps me in my current role.

Why did you join your GBC?

I believe that environmental issues should be tackled holistically and not just piecemeal.

How does your background contribute to your current role with the GBC?

As Executive Director, one of my responsibilities is to ensure there is funding for the programs of the PHILGBC, as well as administering these funds. My experience in working with donor agencies, having to manage grant programs and knowing the priority programs of the agencies, has been a big help for the PHILGBC in looking for funds.

Having knowledge of the different environmental issues is beneficial especially when PHILGBC is constantly requested to be part of government technical working groups.

What has been your favourite moment or memory of working with your GBC?

I have two favourite memories. In 2009, four members of the PHILGBC core group became part of the Asia Pacific Leadership Program sponsored by the Australian Government. We met with core movers of other GBCs such as Indonesia, India, China, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, US, New Zealand and Australia. During this fellowship we learned from the experiences of the more established GBCs – Australia, New Zealand and US on their struggles and successes. We also met with then WorldGBC Chair, Tony Arnel, who launched the WorldGBC-ASPAC network. He also led the discussion on the development of the WorldGBC-Asia Pacific Strategy.

My other favourite memory was in 2010, when we launched our BERDE Green Building Rating System (GBRS). After conducting over 180 consultation meetings and workshop for the development of the BERDE GBRS we finally released version 1.0 of BERDE for New Constructions. And by this year we will be certifying BERDE Buildings in different cities.

What will change for your GBC in the next year?

The Department of Energy recognized BERDE as the national voluntary rating system for the country. This will result in having government funding during the initial stages of development BERDE to help promote and accelerate the uptake of BERDE in the country.

Currently, what is the biggest challenge for your GBC?

Funding is a challenge for any GBC. As with most GBCs in the world, the operational funding of the PHILGBC’s comes from internal sources (such as annual membership fees of members and sponsorships). However, with these limited funds, we were able to conduct awareness campaigns, research, workshops and seminars. The successes of these activities brought in funding from international donor and trade agencies. When we launched BERDE, we started conducting BERDE trainings and we began BERDE certification and these activities are also helping defray overhead costs.

What advice would you give to someone starting in your role?

If you believe in what you are advocating, the challenges that you will encounter along the way will be easier to overcome. Persevere in what you do. Do not be easily discouraged when funding is not enough. Hard work and perseverance always pay off!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice that I follow is Mother Teresa’s “Do It Anyway” verses. There are nine verses and two of my favourites are: People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

What is the key goal you are yet to achieve?

To make BERDE a “business-as-usual” strategy of the industry.

How will you know when you achieve it?

When small and medium sized companies are adopting BERDE. At the moment its inspiring to see the largest corporations are on board, however it must be recognized that for sustainability to happen, green building is for everyone.

What is your favourite quote?

“I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.” – Khalil Gibran

Who would you most like to meet?

A year or two years from now I would like to meet with the people working/living in certified BERDE buildings and see their smiles as they narrate their experience in green buildings.

World Green Building Week shines a spotlight on the key role of buildings in conserving resources, saving money and creating jobs while providing healthier places to live, work and play.

In September, the WorldGBC will unite 90 nations representing more than 20,000 organisations as they hold conferences, tours, educational events, and gatherings to mark this week. This year’s theme is ‘Green Buildings for Great Communities’, highlighting the role of green buildings in creating greener and healthier neighborhoods, communities and cities.

How will you celebrate World Green Building Week?

• Let us know on Twitter at @worldgbc with the hashtag #greenbuildingweek, or
• Post a photo or your event on our Facebook page, or
• Share your idea with us on Linked In!

Green Buildings for Great Communities

A great community is healthy, sustainable and resilient. The building industry is taking the lessons learned from delivering greener, healthier buildings and scaling those to districts, neighborhoods and entire communities.

Find out more about how we can work together to create great communities and visit the World Green Building Council by clicking on this link.