WIA_ISSUE2_2023

SUSTAINABILITY
Building green:
Meeting the demand for
sustainable solutions with
sustainable design
For a building to be sustainable, one must take into consideration all
aspects of construction — from material choice and procurement,
transportation, to location and design. Liza Morales, a designer
specialised in sustainable design solutions, speaks about the
importance and benefits of green architecture.
By Yap Shi Quan
What does sustainable design mean
to you, and why do you think green
architecture is important?
Liza Morales: According to the
Global Alliance for Buildings and
Construction, the construction and
operation of buildings is responsible
for approximately 40% of global
energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. This includes emissions
associated with the production and
transportation of building materials,
as well as the energy used for heating,
cooling, and lighting buildings.
In addition, the International
Energy Agency reports that the
building sector is the largest energy
consumer in the world, accounting
for approximately 32% of global
final energy consumption. This
consumption contributes significantly
to GHG emissions, as the majority of
the world’s energy is still generated
from fossil fuels. The United Nations
Environment Programme estimates
that by 2060, the world’s building stock
is expected to double, and therefore,
emissions from buildings are projected
to continue rising unless significant
action is taken.
Green architecture is important for
the reasons stated above. Building
more sustainable buildings can
help reduce the carbon footprint of
buildings and mitigate their impact
on the environment. Second, green
architecture can improve the health
and wellbeing of people who use
buildings by providing better indoor
air quality, natural light, and access to
nature. Finally, it can have economic
benefits, such as lower energy costs
and increased property values.
Tell us about your career — what
challenges have you faced,
particularly as a Filipino woman
architect in a men-dominated
industry and foreign environment?
Morales: The industry has long been
dominated by men, and it is often
challenging for women architects
Liza Morales,
designer and founder of
Ecotecture Design Studio
26 WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 – 2023