DMCI Homes is investing in the future of construction by supporting research focused on innovation and sustainability. The company believes that by backing academic research today, it can help shape a better-built environment for future generations.
One of its key efforts is supporting the Professorial Chair Awards at the University of the Philippines-College of Engineering. This is done in partnership with the University of the Philippines Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI). These awards are given to outstanding faculty members who are making valuable contributions to their fields.
One of the awardees is Assistant Professor Christian Orozco, PhD. He teaches at the UP Institute of Civil Engineering and focuses his research on sustainable concrete and life cycle-based construction.
“My advocacy focuses on Life Cycle Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment, which help improve the sustainability of construction—from the materials we use to the long-term impact on communities,” Dr. Orozco shared.
Dr. Orozco has been teaching at UP since 2010. He has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering and has long been working to include environmental solutions in civil engineering. He studies various types of concrete, including new and more sustainable options.
“For the longest time, I’ve been studying concrete in its many forms,” he said. “I want to improve sustainability in both our professional practice and our communities—not just to help the environment, but also to uplift the social aspect of our built environment.”
He believes that using life cycle-based thinking in construction can lead to big changes in reducing environmental harm.
“If concrete were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, next to the United States and China,” he emphasized. “So, it’s clear we need to rethink how we build. More sustainable practices could dramatically reduce emissions and benefit everyone—from contractors and developers to policy makers and future generations.”
With support from DMCI Homes, Dr. Orozco has been able to continue his research and work on new construction materials.
He said the partnership is a long-term investment that may take time to show big results, but the impact will be meaningful.
“These are innovations we don’t yet have widely available,” he said. “But with sustained support, we will eventually see real options for sustainable construction out in the field. DMCI Homes is helping drive this change.”
