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Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines

As the emerging climate crisis continue to loom in the near future, sustainability and discussion of ecological conservation have been a matter of discussion around the world. In Asia, the Philippines is one of the countries in the region aiming to achieve the “Zero Energy Buildings” goal.

This goal is widely adopted by several countries their respective developers in response to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In the IPCC report, buildings can play a big role in halving global carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 to reduce the risk posed by the climate crisis.

To reach this goal, more premium has been placed on accredited green buildings in the Philippines through the internationally recognized US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This enabled shift toward a greener and more sustainable estate that has placed a greater value in terms of climate resiliency, build quality, and overall tenant satisfaction.

The LEED certification has been competitive edge carried by selected buildings carefully assessed by the USGC. Here are some of the unique characteristics enjoyed by LEED-certified buildings:

  • Promoting cost efficiency and environmental conservation

LEED buildings often have unparalleled sustainable features during their full life cycle. It uses recyclable or natural resources in construction materials and has energy and water-efficient amenities without losing sight of tenant safety and comfort.

According to a 2014 Berkeley study, green buildings contribute fewer greenhouse gases by 50 percent. In the Philippines, some office and commercial buildings have adopted ecological-friendly designs to improve energy and water efficiency with rainwater collection and onsite renewable energy.

RELATED:Capitalizing on Solar Energy: PH tops Asia, ranks 5th worldwide in solar energy use

Buildings become good investments with the smart use of resources and significantly 20% lower operating and maintenance costs as stated in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. These provide tangible benefits to property owners and developers in the long term.

  • Developing better buildings for better tenants

LEED buildings are known for implementing cutting-edge architectural design and smarter space design to meet sustainable and aesthetical standards. Despite the utilization of recyclable or renewable resources, tenant satisfaction and employee morale are boosted through its maximized use of natural lighting and the creative placement of green spaces that add to its overall aesthetic value.

In the US, asset value also increases as businesses are often willing to pay more just to stay in a LEED structure given its benefits in occupant safety and comfort. Attracting a better tenant pool since locating in a green building also helps most corporation or companies achieve their Environmental Social Governance (ESG) goals.

RELATED:Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

  • Pushing for health and wellness

With the implications posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and wellness became one of the top priorities of most companies. While green buildings are good for the environment, it has also contributed greatly to ensuring occupants or employees are better taken care of.

Through automation and a better filtration system, touchless fixtures and amenities are made available along with the improvement of the indoor environment and air quality. Cleaner air reduces the risk of transmission and prevention of respiratory illnesses.

Exposure to fewer toxins or pollutants and access to lush green spaces help reduce tress,resulting in a happier and more productive workforce.

Ready to be our partner for a greener future? Locate in a LEED building such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia today. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Cycling to Work: The Benefits of Sustainable Transport

The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many people on how important it is to take care of one’s health and well-being. More than its impacts on the way people live and work, this global health situation became a reminder of how communities play an important role in prioritizing the health and safety of families and individuals.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy community is a prepared community. The best way of preparing for potential outbreaks in the future is by ensuring that the health of the overall community. Experts say that even without the existence of health emergencies or threats, public health should be one of the main priorities of local authorities and national governments. This includes the continuous promotion of good nutrition, physical activity, and proper hygiene.

READ MORE: The Importance of Public Health in Communities

With the increased anxiety brought about by the pandemic, the way people have chosen to move has drastically changed. As public transportation became less ideal under strict social distancing and health protocols, BBC reported that individuals have returned to the most basic form of mobility: cycling or biking—leading to the “great bicycle boom of 2020.”

The momentum of the rising interest in non-motorized transport has led to a dramatic decrease in air pollution by 60%. The World Bank urged more countries to sustain the shift given its greater social benefits, pollution reduction, and better urban livability. 

Pushing Forward Sustainable Transport

Apart from the increased demand, providing safer roads for bikers has been extremely challenging. High fatality rates were recorded due to the unreadiness of most cities when it comes to non-motorized vehicles. In the Philippines, cycling advocates have called for fund allocation of at least 16 million dollars from the government to build 190 miles of bike lane to protect riders. 

Biking groups also challenged the use of face shields while on the road as it obscures a biker’s vision. The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities wants policymakers in the country to accommodate these alternative modes of transportation rather than fronting the dangers of cycling. 

The pushback enabled a key collaboration with private corporations. Through their concerted efforts, the Department of Transportation has recently released a bike manual. This covers road safety, courtesy, and etiquette between cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians based on guidelines aligned with key agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Move as One Coalition. 

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Benefits and Sustainability of Biking

Several benefits for individuals who adopt the lifestyle change prove to be universal especially in countries that are committed to the shift. Apart from reducing the exposure from COVID-19, cycling is good for the economy as local retailers can benefit from all biking-related sales. 

With a global pandemic, the premium on keeping in shape and staying healthy has dramatically increased as well. Biking lets you engage in a low impact, adaptable exercise and proved to be a great way to lose weight as it burns approximately 400-700 calories per hour. 

Sustainability is often attached to non-motorized vehicles due to a massive reduction in carbon footprint. Biking also results in a drop in air pollution, creating cleaner air and a healthier environment for all. It is also a more affordable option to move around and takes less time. 

There are also very real mental health benefits to riding a bike. In the UK, most individuals have found that it is a good way to destress and clear the mind while taking in your surroundings safely. Aerobic exercises such as cycling can lead to improved cognition and memory that will boost motivation and productivity at work.

With the impressive rundown of benefits, premium green workplaces in the Philippines such as JEG Tower have provided biking racks for their occupants. This encourages employees to cycle to work to reap the many health and economic benefits. Furthermore, they have shower rooms available for use so people can freshen up before they start the day’s work. 

As one of Cebu’s LEED-accredited office and commercial towers, it is committed to harnessing a healthy and less polluted environment by providing quality spaces that encourage sustainable practices while equally serving its local community. 

READ MORE: The GREEN Advantage: How do green buildings contribute to pandemic resilience?

Join the sustainable shift and make your move to the best and greenest workplace in Cebu. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.