Low-energy consuming LED lights, gardens on roofs, paint that cleans the air, the look of wood on floors without a tree being cut – and many technologies that follow the global efforts of creating eco-friendly communities were at the 2010 Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX). The five-day event, which closed last Sunday, revolved around the theme, “Constructing the Future Green Communities through Efficient Technologies and Materials.”

The event was held in a tri-venue setting at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City from March 17-21.

One product that was very visible among exhibitors was the LED (light emitting diode) lights – which was presented as lighting solution not only to private homes, but corporate entities as well. LEDs present many advantages over incandescent light sources including low-energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller size, faster switching, and greater durability and reliability.

Another green idea which sees probability in the urban setting is ‘Landscape engineering solutions’ by Supersonic Manufacturing Inc. The concept promotes ‘gardens’ to be grown on roofs, decks and walls to encourage natural ventilation and clean air in the environment. These ‘gardens’ can be grown through modules or contraptions which make it easy to grow plants in small spaces.

There were even creative products which could create ‘instant wood’ out of plain oil-based paint. Simply spread the colorant on any flat surface such as a bare wall, a house column, or even a door, and run a special marker which can create images of wood stains and rings.

Now on its 15th year, WORLDBEX continued to be the largest and most-attended construction industry exhibit where 880 booths from over 20 countries presented tools, materials and services aimed at helping the Philippines produce beautiful, sustainable, eco-friendly and energy-saving architectural options.

“WORLDBEX is a gateway to the expanding Philippine market and an opportunity for the world to know about what our country can offer to the construction industry and vice-versa. It has become the perfect place for a creative meeting of minds among the local and international shakers and movers in the industry,” said Joseph L. Ang, Founding Chairman of Worldbex Services Int’l. (WSI), during opening rites.

Other eco-friendly technologies at the exhibit were:

Puyat Industries presented APO RealWood, their latest engineered wood product featuring Toog or Philippine Rosewood. They also demonstrated new innovations such as the easy-to-install curved roof tile and Oriental-inspired Satori roofing tile that has less impact to the environment.

Color specialists Pacific Paint (Boysen) Phils. Inc. and Davies Paints (Charter Chemical & Coating Corp.), presented products that clean the air of pollutants and irritating odors. Boysen introduced their KNOxOUT Paint, an eco-active paint that purifies the air and take out harmful pollutants such as nitrous oxides (NOx) and PM (particulate matter). Meanwhile, Davies has varieties called Bio-Fresh that can be used indoors and Megacryl, a latex paint that can be used outdoors without the usual acrid smell.

The Hocheng Group (HCG) had “Eco-novation” – a statement about sanitation and water  conservation in the bathroom.

Wilsonart International also showcased their various laminate products, considered to be environment-friendly because of materials used produce less waste materials. More than being environment-friendly, laminates have definite aesthetic advantages as well.

Even seminars held at the Philippine Trade Training Center beside the main venue and conducted by renowned speakers discussed eco-friendly ideas.

Arch. Timothy Wong discussed sustainability and mass housing which shouldn’t be contradicting concepts as both can be combined to create lasting and environmentally-friendly designs.
WSI managing director Jill Ang summed-up the event with a challenge to the construction industry players.

“I believe that WORLDBEX has become more relevant than ever, especially with its current focus on green architecture and sustainable development. Now we’re challenging builders and construction experts to use less resources and to build with more ingenuity,” she said.