BISCAST was recognized by the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI) upon achieving final EDGE Certificate for the Climate Change Resilient Pilot Office (CCRPO). The assessment confirmed the auditor’s report that the CCRPO resource-efficient design resulted in reductions of 61% in energy, 95% in water and 79% in materials’ embodied energy compared to a local base case.

The audit conducted by an accredited EDGE Auditor reviewed the self-assessment report and the supporting documents submitted by BISCAST and recommended the project for certification. The assessment utilized the EDGE Software Version: v2.1.5 which reported the CCRPO’s big reductions in three categories: Energy Measures, Water Measures, and Materials.

Although the CCRPO was awarded with EDGE Certificate, its exemplifying achievement in energy savings, water savings and less embodied energy in materials, qualifies CCRPO for a higher level of recognition, the EDGE Advanced, which requires only 40% or more energy savings, with at least 20% savings in water and materials. The EDGE Certificate, verified by the PGBI was signed by the EDGE Program Director, Engr. Ramon D. Aguilos last 29 July 2019 with Certificate No. LP6-PHL-18081610039425.

EDGE is a registered trademark of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which is a part of the World Bank Group.

The BISCAST IRM - Urban Nexus Team comprised of the College President, Dr. Richard H. Cordial, Ar. Jennifer Y. Vibar, Ar. Ernesto B. Bermido, Ar. Jacquiline D. Uy, and Mr. Werner Haberzettl attended the EDGE Discovery Workshop: Green Buildings & Resilience Assessment in the Philippines held last 13 June 2019 at the IFC Office in Manila.

The interactive sessions provided the participants knowledge on using the EDGE Application and the Resilience Assessment Tool and other information on IFC’s agenda and financing structure. The EDGE, headed by Mr. Rusmir Musić, also hosted an exclusive meeting with the BISCAST Team for possible cooperation in the areas of green building and resilience. Dr. Cordial expressed the College’s eagerness to avail of possible funding for BISCAST projects to become the first building in the Philippines to have zero net carbon.

Towards the end, Mr. Musić invited the BISCAST Team to attend the upcoming EDGE Expert Training last 20-21 June, which was attended by Ar. Ernesto Bermido and Ar. Jacquiline Uy, at the IFC Office in Manila. The two representatives from BISCAST were able to acquire vital information and deeper understanding needed for EDGE Green Building certification for BISCAST structures. Presently, the College awaits the advice for the next steps of engagement.