James Hardie discusses climate change with the launch of Discover

Climate change is here and it is one of the main challenges that face our country today.

With the unpredictable environmental impacts that climate change has on a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, contractors together with architects and builders must adapt new solutions for sustainable living. 

James Hardie Philippines has developed Discover - an educational series which shares the latest construction trends and building technologies with local contractors, developers and manufacturers. For its first installment, the series explored the use of more environmentally conscious yet sustainable building materials with Filipino builders and architects. 

Discover extends to local contractors and industry players valuable knowledge on building trends and environmental responsibility they can apply in their projects.

Sustainable architecture through green building

Green building and mindful material use and re-use were the main points tackled in the discussion. 

Carmelito Tatlonghari, founding member of Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines advocates sustainability for all in Discover’s Manila event.

Carmelito Tatlonghari of the Green Architecture Advocacy of the Philippines highlighted the impact construction materials have on the environment. He urged builders and architects to first consider using materials that are better for the environment, cost-efficient, and durable in any project, and to utilize resources made available by green building rating systems like LEED and BERDE to assist them with their choice. 

"The health of the people and the environment should be the utmost concern of any architect and contractor in any building," said Tatlonghari. "Consider materials that have clean grades from green building rating systems and ready information on their lifecycle."

Meanwhile, Net Saysay, Technical and Product Development Manager of James Hardie Philippines, has underlined how building materials and practices that are mindful of the environment can benefit contractors, developers and even professional architects and engineers.

Saysay explained how HardieFlex fiber cement boards cater to the environmental needs of the Philippine market and highlighted HardieFlex Eaves, as James Hardie Philippines’ newest solution for green architecture. 

Following the success of its Manila inauguration, Discover landed in Pampanga next to extend to local contractors fresh insight on sustainability through green building. In the photo: Mariano Chua of MEW Trading with the James Hardie Central Luzon Sales Team

HardieFlex™ Eaves are designed to help structures cool down naturally by allowing interior heat to escape as well as keep moisture away from the roof space.  HardieFlex™ Eaves are thick and durable, and are specifically designed to better withstand material degradation that is a common result of the harsh Philippine climate and the impact of natural disasters.  

Moreover, it saves contractors 10-15% of labor costs since it is highly-customizable and can be tailor-fit for various home designs removing the need of cutting and reducing product waste.

"Aside from the above, HardieFlex™ Eaves is a BERDE and LEED points contributor. The product contains no Asbestos--a substance that is toxic to both people and the environment. “It is both moisture and fire resistant," Saysay said. "The product was made specifically durable for Philippine weather conditions."

With the information shared in Discovery and the launch of HardieFlex Eaves, James Hardie Philippines empowers Filipinos to build without compromising on quality or sustainability by providing them with better resources. 

HardieFlex™ durable fiber cement boards are resistant to impact, fire, mold and moisture damage.   They also come with a 10-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about them once they’re installed in your homes. All you have to do is to look for the green stripes and back branding on the board to know that you’re getting only the real HardieFlex™.

Architects, contractors and developers are encouraged to be part of the next Discover event. Get in touch with James Hardie Philippines as there are limited slots available.