In August 2007 the National Statistics Office reports that the population of the Philippines was 88.57m and by 2009 would be 92.23m - a rise of almost 4m in 2 years, one of the fastest population growth rates in the world. There is also a chronic lack of low-cost housing in The Philippines with millions of people living in slums.

A collaboration of The Profitable Group, Architects, Land Owners and Developers has now led to the design of the "Berde Bahay" (Green House) - a low cost Eco House designed by noted Philippine Architect and Designer James Jao.

Based on UK standards and adopted for the Philippine setting, the Berde Bahay targets 25% more energy efficiency than specified in the UK Code for Sustainable Homes (a rating of 5 out of a maximum 6). The UK code measures the sustainability of a home against key design categories: energy, water, materials, surface water run-off, waste, pollution, health and well-being, management and ecology.

Berde Bahay houses will be at least 30% energy efficient based on the UK matrix of a sustainable house. Compared to an ordinary house in the market, these houses are more practical to maintain and will give the resident, even on this economic level, an improved "well-being", as well as a comfortable house. As a small community, they are linked and connected to an existing urban fabric.