In recognition of their efforts to slow down global warming, local property owners who designate their rooftops as a green space or their building walls as vertical gardens may be eligible for a 10-year real property tax credit of up to 20 percent in Baguio City.
The proposed urban green spaces ordinance and its funding were approved by the City Council on first reading.
All urban green areas in the city, including parks, gardens, plazas, and other public open spaces, will be under the requirements of the proposed ordinance, which was written by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr.
Environmental discount
The proposed measure states that all buildings that allot space on their roofs to trees and plants, whether extensive or intensive soil players, or dedicate areas on their walls to green space will receive a real property tax discount.
The discounts will follow specific schemes: 25% of the roof or wall area will equate to a 5% discount; 50% of the roof or wall area will equate to a 10% discount; 75% of the roof or wall area will equate to a 15% discount; and 100% of the roof or wall area will equate to a 20% discount.
According to Yangot, the local administration wants to support the city's growth and the preservation, protection, and rebirth of the ecosystem by preventing, controlling, and reducing pollution.
Ordinance’s objectives
The ordinance's main goals are to support the creation, preservation, and sustainable management of urban green areas in order to improve the livability, environmental quality, and overall quality of life of the city.
It also seeks to enhance the general well-being of city dwellers, incorporate urban green spaces into urban planning procedures to guarantee their appropriate placement, layout, accessibility, and upkeep, as well as encourage a clean, green city for both locals and tourists.
According to the proposed law, creating green roofs and walls is a crucial part of realizing the advantages of environmentally friendly buildings, including lowering urban heat island effects and noise, enhancing outdoor air quality, boosting energy efficiency, and enhancing aesthetic diversity.
