With temperatures getting high, droughts becoming longer, and tropical storms becoming more severe, it’s no secret that we are facing a climate crisis. According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia is responsible for 50% of the world’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, causing this worldwide crisis. 

The real estate industry, specifically residential buildings, is one of the leading contributors of GHG in the continent. Although industrial construction and development firms are now adopting eco-friendly practices, homeowners and prospective buyers must do their part as well and explore practical ways to reduce carbon emission, GHG’s main component. This involves identifying ecologically sound and sustainable housing options.

Sustainable housing options

In present times, sustainable housing options are more accessible and transformative. As responsible homeowners and prospective buyers below are ways you can practice sustainability in your own way.

• If you are planning to build your house, opt to use sustainable construction materials like bamboo. Aside from being ecological, it is an affordable yet quality option. 
• Location wise, choose an area that is near to your workplace and local amenities to help reduce carbon emission caused by frequent traveling with vehicles.
• Consider installing solar panels. This helps in reducing your household’s emissions by generating electricity from renewable sources. Also, it is proven to be cost-effective in the long run. 
• Replace outdated appliances with energy-star certified ones that consume less electricity. Additionally, you can switch to more energy-efficient lighting by replacing bulbs into LED products.
• Turn off and disconnect electronic devices when not in use or opt for electronics that consume minimal energy.
• Reduce the usage of HVAC systems. Consider adding more windows or ceiling fans instead.
• Create a crop garden in your backyard. This reduces dependence on grocery stores and other retailers that contribute to carbon emissions through production and transportation. 

By making sustainable decisions in our own homes, we can all participate in reducing the negative environmental impact of housing on the environment. Achieving a sustainable world may seem daunting, but it can be accomplished one house at a time. Learn more about sustainable housing with Base.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of Cement-Bamboo Framework  in the Philippines initiated by the Hilti Foundation. BASE builds affordable and disaster-resilient structures using bamboo-based technology. Through continuous research in the Base Innovation Center (BIC), BASE is optimizing the technology and looking for new applications outside its standard model. BASE also offers training courses under its Bamboo Academy program to share the alternative building technologies and provide further knowledge on bamboo construction. Visit their website and learn more about BASE technology and sustainable construction.