TO strengthen the campaign toward sustainable construction that averts the negative impact of climate change, the Geneva-based Holcim Foundation has tied up with the International Union of Architects (IUA) to implement environment-friendly infrastructures in some 120 countries.

Chairman Markus Akermann of the Holcim Foundation Management said the tie-up with world architects will strengthen Holcim’s campaign to inspire sustainability, performance in planning, architecture and building. The UIA has 1.4 million members in the architectural profession in some 120 countries.

He said sustainable construction must be integrated fully among the practicing architects and related professionals through continuing access to information and continuing education on the issues of sustainability.

“Sustainable construction is important for everyone in terms of environmental, economic and social progress,” said Akermann in a statement. “Together we will strive to find opportunities at the design and construction phases of building projects to really make a difference and multiply best practice.”

Holcim Foundation annually conducts competition for the promotion of sustainable construction through architectural designs that are environment-friendly with a grand prize of US$2 million. The five target issues for sustainable construction include quantum change and transferability, ethical standards and social equity, ecological quality and energy conservation, economic performance and compatibility as well as contextual and aesthetic impact.

Akermann said the global Holcim awards for architects, engineers and related professions seeks to promote sustainable approaches to designing and building houses, working environments and infrastructure.

The awards program also includes a “Next Generation” category for young professionals to develop “blue sky” concepts that are geared to the future.

UIA immediate past president Gaetan Siew said his group has been interested in helping Holcim Foundation promote its advocacy for sustainable construction.

“The Holcim Awards competition has a high degree of independence and credibility that meet the competition standards set up by the UIA,” said Siew.

No doomsday scenario at all

A LEADING real-estate developers group “watered down” speculations that the construction and real-estate sector is heading for a slump as they would be forced to increase their selling prices as a result of the current upward trend in the prices of steel and other major construction materials.

RP won’t be able to meet Guam construction demand

A BOOM in construction activities is expected to commence in Guam by next year with the transfer of some 8,000 US military personnel and their families from Okinawa, Japan. But the Philippines may not have enough workers to supply that demand.

The Mandarin Square: A commitment to residential excellence

GREAT leaders can achieve great things. But while they can succeed and thrive alone, true excellence comes from recognizing kindred spirits, forming partnerships and working together toward the loftiest of endeavors.

Holcim, IUA link up for sustainable infra

TO strengthen the campaign toward sustainable construction that averts the negative impact of climate change, the Geneva-based Holcim Foundation has tied up with the International Union of Architects (IUA) to implement environment-friendly infrastructures in some 120 countries.

Communities Philippines: Building world-class homes for OFWs

INWARD remittances from the 7.76 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) account for almost 10 percent of the country’s GNP, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.