Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Center now EDGE-certified

THE MINDORO Biodiversity Conservation Center (MBCC) recently received its Level 2: EDGE Advance Certification from the Philippine Green Building Initiative, signifying its status as “zero carbon ready.”

Located at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo in Puerto Galera and a project of the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI), MBCC was established to serve as an information and education center promoting Mindoro’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, with emphasis on their impact on society and climate change. The structure is a one-story building with 600 sqm. gross floor area that includes a museum, library, ampitheater, research laboratory, nursery, and other features. It is envisioned to benefit present and future generations through programs and activities that promote the symbiotic relationship between people and natural resources.

With the EDGE Advance certification, MBCC is now considered a green building with a resourceefficient design that is expected to result in 78% reduction in energy use, 51% in water, and 69% in materials’ embodied energy. The facility utilizes power from a solar energy system donated by the Department of Science and Technology-MIMAROPA, enabling it to save on energy consumption by at least 40%. MBCC is one of only 19 projects in the country to receive the EDGE Advance certificate.

MBCFI receives funding support from the Malampaya Joint Venture Partners comprised of Prime Energy Resources Development, UC38 LLC, and PNOC Exploration Corp.