Commercial buildings use a lot of power. In 2022, a report by the UN Environment Programme found that the consolidated electricity consumption in building operations makes up nearly 55% of the global electricity consumption. In the United States alone, large office buildings use an average of 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 24 cubic feet of natural gas per square foot annually in order to operationalize. 
 
Sustainability for Energy Efficiency 

As an alternative, sustainable features are available to lessen the large-scale consumption of energy in the commercial sector. Energy efficiency is important to reducing greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide that contribute to climate change and global warming. Premium green buildings such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia in Cebu City are designed to limit energy consumption by incorporating innovative design and top-grade amenities to promote sustainability. 
 
One of the most defining features of this 22-story iconic office tower is its solar panels, the first for commercial developments in Cebu. JEG Tower is set to utilize a 40 kWp Solar PV System from over 100 pieces of Polycrystalline PV Modules installed on the building crown. The system will be able to supply electricity to fully or partially power the lower ground floor to the 6th Floor. 

“The idea of using renewable energy to power portions of JEG Tower was always intriguing to us and when the opportunity was there, it was a no brainer,” JEG Development Corporation (JDC) COO Marko Sarmiento said. “It is an important milestone for our company since it makes us the first developer in Cebu to have a solar roof deck installation on a high-rise office building. It is also consistent with our vision to be innovators in the industry.” 

Solar panels reduce a building’s energy costs by harvesting solar energy throughout the lifetime of your solar panels, which can be twenty years or more. JEG Development Corporation has entered a 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with COREnergy for a Zero Cash-Out solar photovoltaics (PV) plant. 
 
READ MORE: JEG Tower achieves LEED Gold, set to become Cebu’s First Commercial Development to use Solar Energy 

In its latest sustainability report, 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines recorded a 23% reduction in electricity consumption through its state-of-the-art variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, Low-E glass window panels, and usage of LED lighting.

Solar Appreciation Day 2022

Every second Friday of March, the world celebrates Solar Appreciation Day to raise awareness and advocate for one of the most important resources the world relies on. During this day, initiatives to promote solar technology. 
 
JEG Development Corporation joins the commemoration of this environmental initiative. As a LEED Gold certified premium green building, JEG Tower @ One Acacia champions solar energy, as well as the usage of renewable energy in the Philippines.