What is BERDE Certification?
The BERDE Program was established by the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) in 2009 as a proactive step to confront the negative impacts of climate change. This program aims to develop a national voluntary green building rating system in the Philippines, fostering green building endeavors in the country, build trust, and inspire confidence in the industry.
The BERDE Certification is developed under the BERDE Program. This certification serves as a tool for evaluating, gauging, overseeing, and certifying the sustainability performance of green building projects, surpassing the scope of prevailing national and local building regulations, environmental laws, and obligatory standards.
BERDE is formally acknowledged by the Philippine government, through the Department of Energy (DOE) as the National Voluntary Green Building Rating System in the Philippines.
Why Get BERDE Certification?
Trust and Transparency
BERDE empowers you to demonstrate your project’s performance to other parties with unquestionable credibility. Your BERDE-certified project allows you to showcase your leadership in sustainability, backed by an objective, fair, and impartial assessment and certification of your building’s performance. By obtaining BERDE certification, you instill trust and confidence among your project stakeholders, reinforcing the reliability of your environmentally conscious endeavors.
Regulatory Compliance
At the national level, BERDE holds the esteemed recognition as the National Voluntary Green Building Rating System by the Philippine government. Many national agencies utilize BERDE as a valuable guide in formulating policies and programs to promote green building practices and sustainability within the building sector. This acknowledgment further solidifies BERDE’s significance in advancing the country’s environmental goals.
Moreover, at the local level, numerous Philippine local governments have integrated BERDE into their policies to ensure that projects within their jurisdictions adhere to high environmental performance standards. This adoption highlights the growing acceptance and influence of BERDE within the country’s sustainable development landscape.
BERDE acknowledges achievements that surpass current environmental and building laws, regulations, and standards. As a valuable compliance tool, it aids in adhering to building and environmental laws and regulations.
Health and Well-being
BERDE-compliant structures prioritize the well-being of their occupants by providing healthier indoor environments, better air quality, and more natural lighting, which can lead to improved productivity and overall satisfaction.
Climate Change Mitigation
By adopting eco-friendly design principles, BERDE-certified buildings help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a low-carbon built environment.
How to Process BERDE Certification
Registration
- Download the Form – BERDE Registration.
- Accomplish the Form – BERDE Registration and make sure to have the documents for the minimum system requirements ready.
- Submit the completed form and requirements to BERDE@philgbc.org.
Within seven (7) working days of receiving your completed Form – BERDE Registration and all necessary requirements, the PHILGBC will draft and submit a BERDE Certification Proposal. Once the proposal has been received, the project owner must:
- Sign the proposal and return a copy to the PHILGBC
- Pay the registration and initial assessment fees.
The registration process is completed once the proposal is signed and fees are paid for the project.
Stage 1 — Design
During this stage, the assessment team will evaluate the documentation submitted by the project team. The assessment team will issue an Assessment Report summarizing the findings from the assessment, which may include a recommendation for the project’s rating and certification for Stage 1 — Design.
Stage 2 — Construction
The assessment team will review project documentation and perform an on-site assessment to verify the project team’s adherence and implementation of the awarded Stage 1 plans. The evaluation will be based on the project team’s achievement of the target credits.
Stage 3 — Operations
The assessment team will carefully review and assess the documentation submitted by the project team. During this process, they will examine whether the submissions fulfill the intent, requirements, and performance criteria specified for the project team’s target credits.
Projects may go through a certification process under each of the assessment stages based on the project’s life cycle.
New construction or fit-out projects and undergoing renovations
New construction or fit-out projects and undergoing renovations must undergo assessment and certification under both Stage 1 – Design and Stage 2 – Construction. They must also comply with the requirements of BERDE in the design and construction of the project. Furthermore, the project must complete Stage 1 — Design before undergoing Stage 2 — Construction assessment and certification.
Existing project improving only its operations
Projects are required to undergo assessment and certification to demonstrate compliance with the Stage 3 — Operations requirements. This involves planning and implementing policies and procedures that align with the project’s objectives and ensure its smooth operation.
Different Levels of BERDE Certification
| The project may be awarded with: | If the project achieves a weighting of: | |
| ★ | 51% to 60% | Good practice |
| ★★ | 61% to 70% | Ideal performance |
| ★★★ | 71% to 80% | Exemplar performance |
| ★★★★ | 81% to 90% | Country leader |
| ★★★★★ | 91% to 100% | World class |
Why Indoor Air Quality is Key to BERDE Certification?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a critical factor in BERDE certification because it directly affects the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. A well-ventilated space with clean air not only enhances well-being but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability.
How IAQ Impacts BERDE Certification
- Health & Well-Being: Poor air quality can lead to headaches, allergies, and respiratory issues. BERDE promotes proper ventilation, air filtration, and pollutant control to create a healthier indoor environment.
- Use of Safe, Low-Emission Materials: Buildings that use eco-friendly, non-toxic materials help reduce indoor pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can impact air quality and occupant health.
- Efficient Ventilation & Airflow: Good airflow prevents the buildup of carbon dioxide, moisture, and airborne contaminants. BERDE encourages systems that optimize fresh air circulation and humidity control for better indoor air.
- Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: Proper IAQ management reduces reliance on mechanical cooling and improves overall building performance, aligning with BERDE’s sustainability goals.
Prioritizing IAQ in building design and operations not only helps achieve BERDE certification but also ensures a safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient indoor space.
Achieving BERDE Certification with the Help of uHoo Aura
BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) certification promotes sustainable and high-performing buildings, with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) being a key factor. uHoo Aura, an advanced IAQ monitoring system, can support buildings in meeting BERDE requirements by providing real-time air quality data, actionable insights, and automation for a healthier indoor environment.
How uHoo Aura Supports BERDE Certification
- Real-Time IAQ Monitoring
- Tracks key air quality parameters such as CO₂, PM2.5, VOCs, temperature, and humidity to ensure compliance with BERDE’s indoor environmental quality standards.
- Optimizing Ventilation & Filtration
- Identifies areas needing better airflow and filtration, helping building managers implement strategies like increased ventilation, HEPA filters, and fresh air intake.
- Automated Air Quality Control
- Integrates with smart building systems to trigger ventilation, air purifiers, or HVAC adjustments based on real-time IAQ conditions, ensuring a consistently healthy environment.
- Data-Driven Compliance & Reporting
- Generates reports and insights to demonstrate compliance with BERDE criteria, simplifying the certification process with verifiable air quality improvements.
- Healthier & More Sustainable Spaces
- Supports energy-efficient IAQ strategies, reducing environmental impact while improving occupant well-being and productivity.
By integrating uHoo Aura into building operations, property managers and developers can streamline their path to BERDE certification while ensuring a healthier, high-performing indoor space.
