MANILA – Republic Cement was recognized by the Philippine Green Building Council as a finalist in the Leadership in Green Building Awards for its products, advocacies, and social responsibility programs that support the construction of sustainable buildings in the country.
Republic Cement was cited in the Business Leadership in Sustainability category where entrant companies were distinguished for integrating sustainability into their business models and demonstrating sustainable practices within their internal and external operations, as well as showing sustainability leadership within the industry.
Republic Cement manufactures blended cement products, under the brands Republic, Kapit-Balay, and Fortune, which help sustain the environment. A Worldwide Fund for Nature – Philippines study shows that manufacturing blended cement produces 25% less carbon emissions compared to manufacturing ordinary Portland cement.
Republic Cement’s blended cement products use high-quality fly ash as an additive to enhance its long-term durability. This makes for lower water requirement while making concrete stronger. By recycling fly ash, Republic Cement helps eliminate landfills for this by-product of coal-fired power plant operations. This initiative helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and CO2 emission in its operations.
Republic Cement has also contributed to the construction of typhoon and disaster resilient affordable housing projects in Daanbantayan, Cebu. These structures feature hyperbolic paraboloid (hypar) thin shell concrete roofs that can withstand 275 kph winds, shotcrete wall systems that prevent water and chemicals to seep thru, and innovative anchor systems to withstand Intensity 8 earthquakes.
Republic Cement was also cited for its innovative Bio Roof product, a green roof solution that can be used for ‘extensive’ green roofs, like grass and sedums as well as ‘intensive’ green roofs composed of large trees and shrubs. When integrated with a building’s structure, Bio Roof can convert idle roof-tops into green spaces, help cool the building through shading and insulation, and improve water conservation efforts. The Net Park Project at the Bonifacio Global City features a Bio Roof developed with the help of Republic Cement.
“We are very pleased with the recognition given by the Philippine Green Building Council for our sustainability efforts. Our products and services prove that green buildings do not necessarily have to be expensive or difficult to build. The materials and expertise are here and we are ready to share and apply whatever learning we have from other countries,” said Renato Sunico, president of Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc.
Republic Cement received the citation during the 10th Green Building Conference at the SMX Convention Center, where leading stakeholders in the country’s green building industry gathered to discuss and learn about sustainability initiatives.
In photo, Republic Cement Construction & Building Systems Manager Emma Topacio receives the Finalist Award from Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) board chairman Ramon Rufino during the 10th Green Building Conference. With them are (from left) PHILGBC CEO Christopher de la Cruz and board members Edgar Sabidong, Rowena Ramos, Elizabeth Rabuy, and Gabriel Ma. Angelo Cascante.
