The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Head Office (BSP-HO) in Manila has become the first existing government building in the Philippines to receive a sustainability certification under the Philippine Green Building Council’s (PhilGBC) “Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence” (BERDE) system.
The 4-star certification, representing “Country Leader” status, was awarded last November 6, 2024, thereby highlighting the BSP’s dedication to sustainability and environmentally responsible operations.
BSP: Incorporating eco-friendly improvements into operational practices
The certification recognizes the BSP’s efforts to incorporate eco-friendly improvements into its operational practices.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. emphasized the institution’s commitment to sustainability during the award ceremony, stating, “This recognition is a testament to our belief in the importance of sustainability. It is proof that we walk the talk. All these are but a small part of our overall drive to practice what we preach.”
The PhilGBC certification system, BERDE, evaluates and verifies the environmental performance of buildings, promoting compliance with environmental laws and standards.
The Philippine central bank’s 4-star rating places it among the top achievers in sustainable operations, just below the highest 5-star “World Class” rating.
The certification process involved rigorous assessments of the central bank’s operational policies and their alignment with sustainability principles.
PhilGBC Chairman Raymond D. Rufino praised the central bank for setting a precedent in government building operations, saying, “Certification is important because, with the number of stakeholders, customers, clients, and partners that we deal with, we need to have a credible way to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.”
PhilGBC Chief Executive Officer Christopher C. de la Cruz echoed these sentiments, adding, “This achievement by the BSP demonstrates that even existing buildings can be transformed into green, sustainable structures. We hope this sets a new trend for other institutions to follow suit.”
A history of energy efficiency and sustainability
This milestone is not the central bank’s first recognition for environmental leadership. In 2022, BSP-HO earned a 5-star rating from the Department of Energy (DOE) following a spot energy audit under the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.”
In 2016, the central bank also received the ‘Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Government Buildings‘ award.
These accolades reflect the central bank’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, which is enshrined in its Sustainable Central Banking Framework.
This framework guides the central bank’s adoption of green principles across its facilities and operations, ensuring resilience to natural hazards and reducing its environmental footprint.
In a speech delivered during the Post-State of the Nation Address Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte in 2023, BSP Governor Remolona underscored the central bank’s commitment to further championing its sustainability agenda in the financial system.
“We want to strengthen our programs for sustainability, but we want sustainability with a heart,” the BSP governor stated in his opening remarks. He also underscored that these measures should not be at the expense of the poor.
“Strategies should consider not only the risks but also green economic opportunities for vulnerable sectors such as electric tricycles, pay-as-you-go solar, and other small-scale projects,” he added.
Setting a new standard for government
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (third from left) while accepting the ‘Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence’ (BERDE) certificate (4-Stars Rating) from BERDE Committee Chairperson Rowena Ramos. Also in photo are PhilGBC CEO Christopher C. de la Cruz (left) and PhilGBC Chairman Raymond D. Rufino.
The certification is a landmark achievement not only for the BSP but also for government institutions across the Philippines. As the first government building to achieve this recognition for operational improvements, the BSP sets a precedent for public institutions to integrate sustainability into their infrastructure and daily practices.
The BERDE system offers a tiered certification model, with one star signifying “Good Practice” and five stars denoting “World Class” performance. The BSP’s 4-star rating demonstrates that its policies and procedures exceed industry norms, positioning it as a leader in sustainability among government entities.
PhilGBC, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable buildings and urban development, lauded the BSP for its groundbreaking efforts. The council is part of the World Green Building Council, a global network advocating for environmentally responsible, safe, and profitable places to live and work.
BSP’s vision for the future
Looking forward, the BSP aims to inspire more government and private institutions to prioritize sustainable practices in their operations.
In a press release, Governor Remolona reiterated the BSP’s mission to integrate sustainability into its core mandate, ensuring that environmental responsibility remains a pillar of its governance.
“This certification is more than an award; it is a call to action,” said Governor Remolona. “We hope to pave the way for other institutions to follow suit, proving that sustainability is not just a goal but an achievable standard.”
As the global push for green practices continues to grow, the BSP’s accomplishment reinforces the Philippines’ potential to be a leader in sustainability. By demonstrating that even existing buildings can achieve high levels of environmental performance, the BSP has set a new benchmark for government institutions and private organizations alike.
The BSP’s 4-star BERDE certification marks a historic moment in the Philippine government’s journey toward sustainability. As the first of its kind, it is a powerful example of how institutions can transform their operations to address environmental challenges, underscoring the critical role of leadership in fostering a greener future.