THE construction industry plays an important role in reducing the country's carbon emissions. With building materials accounting for 30 percent of structures' carbon footprint, it can steadily shift toward alternatives that are better for the climate.

Horia Adrian, Holcim Philippines president and chief executive officer, made this point during the recent Net Zero Building and Net Zero Summit Philippines, calling for cooperation to accelerate the pivot toward more sustainable practices. Other practices that the industry can look into are the decarbonization of construction and putting up more affordable homes.