Students earn International sustainable architecture certification

Students earn International sustainable architecture certification | Daily Tribune

Four students from the Architecture Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) recently passed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate exam, an assessment of one’s general knowledge of green building practices.

Hailing from Benilde School of Environment and Design (SED), Joshua Ramos, Harvin John Castanares, Simon Lim, and Maree Charlize Jimenez earned this internationally-recognized credential. It will boost their qualifications in the industry while sparking positive impact on the environment.

These architecture majors volunteered for the activity under the Building Technology 5 (BLDTEC5) course taught by Ar. Alvin Tejada. He regarded the success as an important milestone for up-and-coming architects, as it validates their solid understanding of green building principles and sustainability methods.

“It opens doors to a growing field focused on environmentally conscious design, offering opportunities to work on high-impact projects that reduce energy consumption, lower carbon footprints, and improve overall building performance,” Tejada remarked.

Tejada noted that the constant growth of the demand for green buildings, architects with LEED credentials are being sought after by firms and have the opportunity to achieve professional advancement as they lead the change toward a more resilient world.

“LEED accreditation not only enhances an architect’s credibility, but also aligns their career with global sustainability standards, showcasing their commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable built environments,” he added.

Grounded in the fundamentals of LEED principles, green building science was incorporated into the course to help immerse the students to real-world eco-friendly design thinking and performance-based assessments.

Green building science pertains to the creation of structures which will benefit both the planet and the people. It deals with the design and construction of spaces that use less energy and water, produce fewer waste, and develop healthier environments for those who live and work in them.

“BLDTEC5 is the culmination of the students’ journey through building science, where they now move beyond conventional materials to explore alternative systems and bold ideas for the future,” Tejada explained. “Green building science deepens this exploration by introducing principles that focus on environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and human health—key aspects that align perfectly with the course’s push for critical and analytical thinking.”

As a licensed U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) faculty, Tejada likewise conducted a comprehensive 16-module lecture series, which is designed to prepare the learners before taking the LEED Green Associate exam. It includes a structured, step-by-step guidance using official materials from the USGBC.

“The lessons include interactive activities and discussion questions that can be completed individually, in small groups, or as full class engagements, making the series flexible and accessible. These modules may also be used as standalone lessons for teaching green building and sustainability concepts, even outside the context of exam preparation,” Tejada said.