Vice President Jejomar C. Binay called on local government units to make conscientious decisions that will help reduce our country’s carbon emissions.
            “If carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are the leading causes of global warming, our fundamental strategy must be that of reducing carbon pollution,” Binay said.
            “This should be the main goal of nations, great and small, simply because the guardianship of the Earth is global in scale but should also be equitable under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,” he added.
            Binay also proposed that the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI), the Climate Change Commission, and the Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) work with the University of Makati in developing a seminar format for a green building code for newly elected local executives and newly and well-funded universities in the Philippines.
            “The implications of a green code for our building and construction industry will be pivotal to the future of our nation. While these programs may elicit some resistance from some sectors, I believe that we can allay all fears and solidify support if we bring everyone to the discussion table, and build more than just consensus,” Binay said.
            “The path to a low-carbon way of urbanization will have its own set of operational challenges but if we can all agree to the importance of the goal, we can overcome whatever momentary setbacks might arise,” he added.
            Binay, who is the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, said the government is also adopting the Building Green project across all tiers of the housing sector.
            “To effectively share the lessons of experience and initiatives in green building, the sponsoring organizations here should help review the shelter designs offered by Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), more popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund. I have some responsibility over the Pag-IBIG Fund, and I will organize a core group to work with you for this purpose,” he added.​