Everybody is talking about going green. From shopping mall owners to real estate developers, green has become a buzzword. But some people have been wondering, “What does this all mean?” With everyone talking about and going green, it is only natural that we all want to know what this translates to in terms of making the world a better place.

Structures built under strict environment-friendly standards and designed for sustainability are finding support from one of the country’s top architectural firms. W.V. Coscolluela and Associates, the firm behind the LEED-certified Zuellig Building, is pushing for “green growth” architectures as it leads in the industry’s move towards more sustainable standards.

LEED means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design which refers to a range of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and communities.

The firm’s latest advocacy is reflected in their recent projects such as the SM Aura Premier in Taguig, part of Bonifacio Civic Center, and the Unilab Corporate Offices currently under construction. SM Aura Premier will be the country’s first commercial center to be Gold certified under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards from the US Green Building Council.

The LEED ratings system follows strict standards for certification in Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Structures earn points for everything from recyclable materials used, indoors air quality, energy efficiency, carbon emissions and even actual construction procedures. About 13 environmental impact categories have to be met. A structure becomes Platinum LEED-certified when it meets 80 points and above.

Rich history W.V. Coscolluela and Associates is the architect of record of the award-winning Zuellig Building, one of the country’s structures being evaluated for Platinum LEED certification.

The firm has completed over 150 projects in its 55-year history and has recently announced the appointment of Architects Gil and Gary Coscolluela as senior partners in the firm. Principal architect William V. Coscolluela, who has been called “architect to the taipans” will remain as head. The firm has built many distinguished structures including SM North EDSA, Robinsons Galleria, JG Summit Center, World Trade Center in Parañaque, Philamlife Tower and RCBC Plaza.

As senior partners, the young architects will be involved and responsible for the firm’s work in several ongoing and upcoming projects in Metro Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.

“As their father and as founder of a firm that has been designing and building for over 50 years, I am especially proud to see them in these positions of leadership. They have both produced exceptional work on their own, and as associate partners of the firm over the years,” says William. “It is the perfect time for them to be in the center of our ongoing projects—and to help me carry them out.”

Gil graduated from the UP College of Architecture. His work encompasses several areas of RCBC Plaza, the Equitable PCI Tower, Joya Lofts & Towers at Rockwell, the Crowne Plaza and Galleria Regency, to name a few. He is also involved in various Robinsons Mall projects and residential projects. Gil also leads the WVCA team in the Platinum LEED-certified interiors of the Zuellig Building offices.

Gary finished architecture from his father’s alma mater, the Mapua Institute of Technology. Among his projects were The Grand Midori Makati, The Landmark in TriNoma, Anson’s in The Landmark and Discovery Shores Boracay.

William says the firm is committed to delivering classic and reliable structures and “greener” buildings, following their rewarding experience with LEED certification. The firm is also the lead architect for the SM Seaside City in Cebu and the Iloilo Convention Center. The firm looks forward to more projects that will adopt greener features for a more sustainable future.