City to study ‘green bldg’ proposal

IN LINE with the continued campaign for the protection of the city’s ecological resources, the City Council committee on environment and natural resources has created a technical working group (TWG) to study the proposal of providing incentives for the construction of green buildings in Cagayan de Oro.

The TWG is chaired by City Building Official Isidro Obligado with the representatives of the City Assessor’s Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Finance Office, City Legal Office, City Council, Arch. Rey D. Galua and Engr. Dionel O. Albina as members.

Committee chair Councilor President D. Elipe said instead of imposing penalties, the committee intends to come up with incentives to encourage the construction of eco-friendly buildings in the city.

With this, Elipe and Councilor Adrian Barba requested the TWG to study the parameters of the incentives and submit the draft ordinance on or before April 15.

Elipe said a public hearing will be called before the proposed measure will be approved.

A proposal for local green building standards was earlier submitted by Galua and Albina.

According to Albina, green buildings will reduce consumption of electricity and natural ventilation.

He believed that companies will be willing to comply not because of incentives but because of its benefits. (LCR)