Photo by Alexes Gerard on Unsplash

Climate-Resilient Structures

Climate Change Resilient Pilot House (CCRPH)/Green Housing

Climate resilient houses were developed as a response to the growing concern towards the vulnerability of the Philippines to the effects of climate change. The main goal is to develop shelter or communities aligning with disaster risk reduction policies to create sustainable and resilient housing. This housing technology is low-cost and built to withstand the effects of climate change such as flooding, heavy rainfall, and drastic changes in temperature. It also incorporates energy-efficient devices to promote the use of renewable energy and minimize energy cost. One of the projects is the Climate Change Resilient Pilot Housing (CCRPH) which was participated in by the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) [1][3].

Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

The Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI) has recognized CCRPH for its innovation and has passed the following climate change resilience indicators: structural integrity; resistance to the changes in the weather; ability to be modified for changes in spatial needs; and presence of emergency exits, emergency provisions, and a disaster risk management plan. CCRPH also made sure that there is passive lighting and ventilation in the structure as required by the PGBI [2].

Climate Hazards

  • Rain-Induced Flooding
  • Rain-Induced Landslide
  • Tropical Cyclone

Locations

  • Naga City, Camarines Sur, Region V (Bicol Region)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Buildings
  • Energy
  • Urban

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery
  • Research and Development

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Formal Labor and Migrant Workers
  • Individuals residing in urban areas
  • Senior Citizens
  • Women

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Mid

One CCRPH structure is about 72m2 and costs almost 50% less than the socialized housing technology used in the Philippines. The cost difference is summarized below. Affordable Housing: Basic structure, roofing, door, windows, staircase, and, water and electricity supply; PhP 5,492.48 per m2; PhP 389,966.08 for the entire house BISCAST Housing: Affordable housing features plus finish and dual flush toilets; PhP 9,221.25 per m2; PhP 654,708.75 for the entire house CCRPH Green Housing: BISCAST housing features plus rainwater harvester, photovoltaic electricity supply, and effluent treatment; PhP 10,827 per m2; PhP 768,721.26 for the entire house Note: For the CCRPH Green Housing, the cost amounts to PhP 950,000 due to the fabrication cost (PhP 181, 279) of the vibrating machines used to create its basic structure [5]. The features of the housing structures can be modified based on the needs and financial capability of the household but it is good to note that the application of the technologies found in the CCRPH Green Housing would allow sustainability in the long term due to the lowering of the energy and maintenance cost of the structure and household [5].

Technical Feasibility
Mid

The basic structure of the CCRPH is made by using vibrating machines with diverse molds which function to get rid of the air bubbles in the concrete needed to create the pre-cast beams. Using the vibrating machines increases the strength of the beam thereby aiding long term durability. In order to apply for CCRPH, lectures, seminars, and trainings must be held for the interested parties [2].

Social Acceptability
Low

The CCRPH already obtained certifications from the Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for Housing of the Philippine National Housing Authority (2017). Although this initiative is still in its pilot stage, workshops have already been organized to introduce the technology and how it contributes to sustainable urban development as well as provide the training needed to build CCRPH structures [3] .

Environmental Impact
High (+)

CCRPH was awarded the GREEEN Kamagong Award by the PGBI which is the highest rating (85-100%) for the assessment of energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings. It is recognized as the second greenest building in the country [3].The CCRPH was assessed using the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) standards which determines whether a building manages and utilizes resources in a cost-efficient manner. As a result, CCRPH was evaluated to be 60.7% energy efficient, 34.1% water efficient, and 41.7% material efficient in comparison to conventional housing [2]. The energy and water efficiency results align with the monitoring report of BISCAST which shows that in a span of one year, the CCRPH structure obtained 73% of its water needs from the rainwater harvester and 10% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy. Efficient use of resources is achieved due to the following features of the CCRPH [2]: (1) Energy Natural ventilation and lighting Energy-saving appliance (2) Water Waste water used for urban gardening Three chamber septic tank with effluent drain field (3) Materials Modular architectural system Use of hollow concrete block with a closed bottom Use of hollow concrete block slab system

Mitigation co-benefit

CCRPH saves a total of 1.1 tCO2/yr, utilizes renewable energy, and minimizes resource consumption [2].

Keywords

climate change resilient pilot house, climate adaptive house, climate-resilient housing, energy efficient house, low cost housing technology; green housing

References

[2] GIZ (2017). Development of the Climate Change Resilient Pilot House (CCRPH). https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/CaseStudy_PH_Naga_ClimateChangeResilientPilotHouse_2017.pdf
[3] GIZ (2018). Technology on climate-change resilient pilot housing transferred to Bicol region, Philippines. https://www.thai-german-cooperation.info/en_US/technology-on-climate-change-resilient-pilot-housing-transferred-to-bicol-region-philippines
[4] PGBI (2020). GREEEN Buildings. https://www.greenbuilding.ph/greeen-buildings-pg2
[5] Cordial, R.H. (2017). Climate Change Resilient Pilot Housing (CCRPH). https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/BISCAST%20Richard%20Cordial%20presentation.pdf