MANILA, Philippines - For architects, Mañosa recommends keeping these principles in mind when designing homes and buildings:

1. Design with climate in mind.

2. Insulate your buildings.

3. Make use of passive cooling.

4. Be aware of thermal mass.

5. Use landscape to your advantage, and not just for aesthetics.

6. Optimize energy performance and Hvac Systems.

7. Use appliances with energy star ratings.

8. Use ?green power? when possible.

9. Use recycled materials.

10. Use materials that can be used again after the building?s lifespan.

11. Use indigenous materials.

12. Only buy wood from sustainable forestry (you can actually ask your supplier for a certification).

13. Increase ventilation whenever possible.

14. Improve indoor air quality by using low-emitting paints, carpets, laminates, fabrics, etc.

15. Design rooms for thermal comfort.

16. Maximize daylight to minimize the use of energy.

17. Conserve water with dual flush/dual plumbing systems.

18. Recycle ?grey? water (water used in construction).

19. Make provisions for composting building garbage.

20. Reduce construction and demolition waste.