DESIGN 523

MATERIAL AND
SUSTAINABILITY
RESEARCH
REPORT 2025
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

Prepared by Prepared For

ARIAS, IZY GUEN M. AR. JOSEPH MALABANAN
MATERIAL COST
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL COST
1. Cement:
- The price for Holcim cement in the Philippines is approximately ₱245 per 40kg bag as of 2024, with a
minimum order of one truckload (600 bags)​

2. Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB):

- 4" Ordinary CHB: ₱12–₱13 per piece
- 6" Ordinary CHB: ₱17–₱18 per piece

3. Plywood: Used for structural and finishing applications.

- Marine Plywood (3/4” x 4’ x 8’): ₱1,374 per sheet
- Ordinary Plywood (1/4” x 4’ x 8’): ₱381 per sheet

4. Steel/Rebars:
- 12mm Diameter (Grade 40, 9m): ₱290 per piece

5. Roofing Materials:
- Yero Roofing (0.4mm): ₱125 per piece

6. Gravel and Sand:

- Washed Sand: ₱1,365 per cubic meter
- Gravel: ₱1,417 per cubic meter

WIRES
THHN Wires (Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated) - Commonly used for residential and
commercial electrical wiring.
-₱10 - ₱50 per meter, depending on the gauge (e.g., 2.0mm², 3.5mm², 5.5mm²).

Flexible Electrical Cables (Stranded Wires)- Used for various electrical installations requiring
flexibility.
- ₱15 - ₱40 per meter

PVC Pipes
Electrical Conduit PVC Pipes - Protects electrical wiring in buildings.
-₱50 - ₱150 per 10-foot length (½" to 1" diameter).
Water Supply PVC Pipes (Schedule 40) - Used for potable water systems.
-₱60 - ₱200 per 10-foot length (½" to 1" diameter).
Drainage PVC Pipes - Used for waste drainage systems.
-₱80 - ₱300 per 10-foot length (2" to 4" diameter).
PVC Fittings (Elbows, Tees, Couplings) - Connects different pipe sections.
- ₱10 - ₱100 per piece, depending on size and type.
MATERIAL COST
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MATERIAL COST
Stone Veneers: Stone veneers are thin layers of natural stone applied to surfaces for
aesthetic purposes.
They require less material than full stone blocks, reducing extraction and
transportation energy. They also offer thermal mass benefits, helping regulate
indoor temperatures and reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling.
Prices typically range around ₱700 to ₱1,200 per square meter, depending on the
quality and style.

Davies Paint: Davies is a popular brand in the Philippines known for its high-quality
paints, including eco-friendly variants.
Many Davies paints are water-based and low in Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs), which improves indoor air quality and reduces harmful emissions into
the environment. Using eco-friendly paints also reduces the release of toxins
during application and drying.
Standard paint options start at about ₱200 to ₱350 per liter for interior/exterior
acrylic paints. Specialty paints like weatherproof or textured finishes can go higher,
around ₱500 to ₱600 per liter.

Fluted Panels: Fluted panels are vertical, ribbed materials used for walls or facades,
often made of glass, wood, or metal.
Fluted glass panels can enhance natural light in buildings, reducing the need for
artificial lighting during the day. Using sustainable materials like bamboo or
reclaimed wood for fluted panels helps reduce deforestation and waste, while
metal options can be fully recyclable.
Depending on material (e.g., glass, wood), fluted glass panels can start from ₱6,000
per square meter for basic designs, while more intricate panels can reach up to
₱10,000​

Vines and Climbing Plants: These are plants that naturally grow upwards along
structures like trellises or walls, often used for vertical gardens.
Climbing plants provide natural insulation and reduce heat absorption on walls,
lowering the need for air conditioning. They also improve air quality by
absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen, and can enhance biodiversity in urban
spaces by attracting pollinators.
Prices vary widely, with basic climbing plants like ivy or bougainvillea costing
around ₱100 to ₱300 per plant.
MATERIAL COST
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MATERIAL COST
Double Glazed Glass: Double-glazed glass consists of two panes of glass with an
insulating air or gas layer in between.
It provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption for
heating and cooling. It also reduces noise pollution and increases energy
efficiency, which can lower greenhouse gas emissions from energy use​
The cost depends on size, type, and frame condition. On average, double-glazed
units start at around ₱7,000 to ₱10,000 per square meter​

Foam Insulation: Foam insulation is used in walls, roofs, and floors to create a
thermal barrier.
It enhances the energy efficiency of buildings by preventing heat loss in winter
and heat gain in summer. This reduces reliance on heating and cooling systems,
thereby lowering carbon emissions and energy bills.
Costs range from ₱800 to ₱1,200 per square meter, with higher-end products
offering greater insulation efficiency.

Thermo blocks
insulating concrete blocks that improve a building's energy efficiency by providing
excellent thermal insulation. They reduce the need for heating and cooling, saving
energy and lowering carbon emissions. Made from sustainable materials like
expanded polystyrene or aerated concrete, thermo blocks also enhance durability,
reducing long-term maintenance. Their thermal mass helps stabilize indoor
temperatures, further decreasing reliance on HVAC systems, making them ideal for
eco-friendly construction projects.
basic thermo blocks might range from PHP 20 to PHP 60 per piece

Lighting
LED Bulbs Energy-efficient bulbs with a long lifespan.
₱80 - ₱300 per bulb, depending on wattage and brand.
Ceiling Lights- Includes chandeliers, pendant lights, and flush mounts.
₱1,500 - ₱15,000 depending on design and size.
Recessed Lighting -Fixtures installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling.
₱800 - ₱2,500 per fixture.
Outdoor Lighting- Includes garden lights, floodlights, and wall-mounted fixtures.
₱1,000 - ₱5,000 per fixture.
MATERIAL COST
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MATERIAL COST

Alarm Systems
Basic Intrusion Alarm System -Includes control panel, door/window sensors, and motion
detectors.
₱15,000 - ₱40,000.
Advanced Alarm System - Includes additional features like cameras, smart home
integration, and advanced sensors.
₱40,000 - ₱80,000.
Fire Alarm System - Includes smoke detectors, heat detectors, and fire alarms.
₱20,000 - ₱50,000.
Smart Alarm System - Connects to smartphones and includes remote monitoring and
control.
₱20,000 - ₱60,000.
Cameras (for CCTV systems) - Monitors and records video footage. Types
include wired, wireless, and IP cameras.
₱2,000 - ₱10,000 per camera, depending on quality and features.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN PRACTICES

Here are 10 energy-efficient design practices incorporated into the proposed Compact
Sustainable Apartment Complex in Lipa City, Batangas

With the increasing concerns about climate change and rising energy costs, energy-efficient design
has become a crucial aspect of sustainable living and construction. At its core, energy-efficient
design involves creating structures and spaces that consume minimal energy while optimizing
performance and comfort.
The primary goal is to reduce energy consumption without compromising on functionality or
occupant well-being. Energy-efficient design considers various factors, such as insulation,
ventilation, lighting, and appliances, to achieve optimal energy usage. By incorporating
sustainable practices, materials, and technologies, energy-efficient design contributes significantly
to environmental conservation.
OPTIMAL INSULATION
Proper insulation is fundamental to energy-efficient design. Well-insulated buildings retain heat during
winters and stay cool during summers, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling.

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

Passive solar design harnesses the sun’s energy to provide heating and lighting naturally. It involves
orienting buildings to maximize solar gain during winters and minimize it during summers.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Using LED or CFL lighting significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent
bulbs. Additionally, incorporating natural light sources helps reduce the need for artificial lighting.

RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION

Integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines further enhances the energy
efficiency of a building, making it more sustainable and self-sufficient.

SUSTAINABLE SITE SELECTION

Choosing a sustainable site with easy access to public transportation reduces the carbon
footprint of employees and visitors.

RAINWATER HARVESTING
Implementing rainwater harvesting systems allows homeowners to collect and reuse
rainwater for various purposes, reducing the demand for municipal water supply.

GREEN WALLS
Green walls not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home but also improve insulation,
reducing heating and cooling requirements

BUILDING ENVELOPE EFFICIENCY

An energy-efficient building envelope, including well-insulated walls and roofs, reduces
energy loss and enhances thermal comfort.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS:

Use eco-friendly and recycled materials, such as recycled concrete or reclaimed wood, for
the construction of the building. These materials require less energy to produce and
reduce the building's overall carbon footprint.

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING
Use local, drought-resistant plants for landscaping to minimize the need for watering. Native
plants are more resilient and require less maintenance, reducing water and energy use for
irrigation.Plant trees and install shading structures to reduce heat gain, particularly on west-
facing walls and windows.