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The Future of Workplace: Contactless features and smart technology

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly raised the awareness of how easy germs and viruses can spread within communities and shared spaces. As companies commence their workplace re-entry programs, considerations on how they can protect their employees within the space become the top priority in the new normal. 

While the extent of the changes in the post-pandemic office is still uncertain, workplace strategists and experts argue that this event will accelerate the digital transformation of companies, allowing faster adoption of advanced workplace technology. 

The rise of smart technology 

Many businesses adapt to the new normal by incorporating innovation and advanced technology in the office. Majority are transitioning to create a contactless (or at least a low-touch) office experience as it becomes the new standard for the health and security of their employees.  

Given this shift in focus, the unprecedented rise of smart technology in offices and commercial buildings will be very apparent in the new normal. Smart offices are workspaces that utilize automated processes to enhance building operations, from air conditioning and heating, lighting, and security. All of these conveniences will start to be the standard in eliminating and reducing risks after the recent pandemic and other health threats. 

Replacing touch with gesture 

Since the World Health Organization reported that viruses can be contracted from contaminated surfaces, offices will seek to limit contact in operating key equipment such as printer screens, elevator buttons, door handles and replace them with technology-enabled by sensors. Workplace strategists expect more sensor-automated doors and screens to be more common moving forward that removes the need for touching handles or pressing buttons. 

Eliminating high-contact surfaces 

As employees return to the office, they are likely to be conscious of the threat that even the smallest element of the shared environment can produce.  Building developers and commercial institutions should consider the benefits of new advancements in technology such as voice or motion-activated technology.  

Implementing solutions such as voice-controlled elevators, remotely operated printers, and increased use of sensors throughout offices would substantially reduce workplace risk. In more secured offices, emerging technologies such as facial recognition can further reduce contact and exposure among colleagues. 

Hospital-grade workplace  

In the longer term, many experts have predicted that people are becoming more aware of contagious diseases and how fast viruses can spread in offices and other shared spaces. The community built inside the workplace could have elements similar to a hospital. From going for materials and surfaces that can withstand heavy cleaning to installing industry-grade air filters, offices in the new normal will prioritize maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy space for its occupants. 

Future-forward commercial establishments such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, utilize the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV filters that can capture particles in the air from 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). Higher value in MERV ratings leads to better filtration, fewer dust particles, and other airborne contaminants.  

JEG Tower utilizes the MERV13 filter, which is one of the highest-grade filters in the industry. It promotes a healthy breathing environment, and it will not allow the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi. Some MERV filters can even filter pollen, dust, and microscopic droplets in the air to a certain extent. 

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Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention

The connection between health and the environment becomes increasingly defined as the world learns more about the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this new coronavirus strain can be spread in three main ways:  

  • Person-to-person via direct contact;  
  • Person-to-person via airborne respiratory droplets produced when an infected person cough or sneezes;  
  • Surface-to-person via contact with surfaces or objects that hold the virus, followed by an individual touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.  

Buildings and public spaces play a huge role in disease prevention and control. From its design to operations, buildings contribute to the battle against the spread of viruses in workplaces and offices. 

Here are some modifications and optimizations buildings can adapt to prevent another pandemic in the future:  

Promote High-quality Indoor Air  

Buildings and commercial establishments should promote high-quality indoor air quality and follow a set of standards that focuses on the ventilation and air-conditioning system. This effectively provides clean air into the building and to the office spaces. Research suggests that filtration of recirculated air may be effective in reducing the transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Filters remove dust, vapors, bacteria, and fungi, and also effectively capture viral particles spread by droplet nuclei.  

RELATED: How Green Buildings improve indoor air quality, provide a healthier working environment  

Increased Ventilation  

Ventilating with outdoor air also plays a vital role in diluting airborne contaminants and decreasing disease transmission rates within establishments. According to studies, increasing the ventilation rate can effectively reduce the cross-infection of airborne transmitted diseases by removing or diluting pathogen-laden airborne droplet nuclei. It can dilute the contaminated air inside the space more rapidly and decrease the risk of cross-infection  

Maintained Optimal Humidity  

Evidence suggests that viruses survive better in low-humidity environments. One optimization buildings can implement after the pandemic is to increase humidity via heating and ventilation systems and maintain an optimal range to 40 to 60%. This can also be achieved by installing humidifiers inside the building premises.  

Improved cleaning and maintenance protocols  

Another aspect that buildings can focus on when optimizing for disease prevention is highlighting the importance of its property management teams. Workplace policies, guidelines, and protocols must also be restructured to adapt to the “new normal” as the world observe changes this pandemic brings. The modifications and strict enforcement of these procedures should be one of the most essential responsibilities of a building’s property management team during, and even after the crisis.  

A healthy building contributes to a healthy community, which, in the long run, play a central role in creating a healthy world. In addition to everyday precautions taken by individuals and employees, the real estate industry, building owners, and developers should be aware of these optimizations that can greatly contribute to virus outbreaks in the future. 

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Taking care of your mental health: Why it matters in time of a pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak may be stressful for some people. As the world continuously witness the world change, fear and anxiety can affect their mental health and take a toll on their general well-being.  

According to studies, stress and anxiety can greatly affect one’s health and well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported many manifestations of stress amid the pandemic including difficulty of sleeping, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, worsening of chronic health and mental health problems, and increased use of alcohol and tobacco. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is common to experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness during this difficult time. However, it is important to manage it by learning different strategies and coping mechanisms.   

Taking care of your mental health will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Here are some ways and strategies that can be helpful to practice during the outbreak:  

Take sanity breaks  

The news from the media and social networking site feeds can be overwhelming and stressful. Practice taking mini breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news, especially if it is about the statistics of the virus. Being informed about relevant information is always helpful but getting anxiety from too much exposure to crisis-related news can also increase stress levels.   

It is advisable to limit your time scrolling on your social media accounts. Aside from mental stress, excessive use of phones and tablets can also cause eye strain and body aches.  

Take care of your mind by limiting your screen time. It is also a good practice to turn off any electronic device for some time each day including 30 minutes before projected bedtime.  

Stick to Routines 

Changes may be stressful for your mind. Experts suggest developing and maintaining a regular schedule is very beneficial for mental health. Stick to routines such as regular bedtimes, consistent times for meals, bathing and getting dressed, preparing for work or studying, and exercising. The predictability can make you feel more in control and would ease the brain.  

Stay busy 

Use this time to enjoy hobbies that you can do home, learn a new skill or two, develop healthy habits, and start a project that you have been planning to do. Staying busy can be a healthy distraction from negative thoughts. This can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.  

Focus on positive thoughts  

Focusing on the positive side of things is a healthy way of coping with stress and anxiety. While this can be hard for some, doing little things such as listing the things you are thankful for daily can mean a lot to your mental health. Instead of dwelling on how bad things are going, focus on the things you can control and keep problems in perspective.  

Connect with others  

Now more than ever, the need for connection is very important. Since everybody is away from each other due to social distancing and the community quarantine, hone virtual connections by video chats, phone calls, text messaging, and other similar apps. If you are working remotely from home, ask your co-workers how they are doing and talk about things outside of work.  

It would be also helpful for your mental health to voice out your concerns and how are you feeling with people you trust. 

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How Green Buildings Improve Indoor Air Quality and Provide A Healthier Working Environment

The campaign for cleaner air has been ongoing for years as the world battles air pollution. As the global health crisis continues, studies have been linking the spread of the pandemic with the bad air quality According to research from Harvard University, dirty air makes any virus more lethal.  

Working with different sectors, the World Green Building Council (WGBC) has long been combatting global air pollution by developing and setting standards for buildings and infrastructures. According to the World Green Building Council, now more than ever, green buildings play a very significant role in preventing and controlling viruses within communities and work environments.

The WGBC believe that sustainable buildings and cities are a key part of the solution that ‘reduces both the health and environmental impacts’ of air pollution. The organization has set guidelines on how green buildings can ensure the best indoor air quality within the property’s premises. In fact, one of the categories and criteria for a LEED Certification is indoor air quality. 

“Indoor air quality is one of the important criteria of LEED. It focuses on designing the ventilation and air-conditioning system to provide clean air into the building,” Michael Glindro, LEED AP BD+C said. “One of the ways to improve indoor air quality is to install high-MERV filters to reduce indoor air pollutants. This criterion focuses on the People aspect of the triple bottom line of LEED; People, Planet, Profit.

jeg-tower-one-acacia-bring-work-to-life-this-2020

LEED-certified buildings, like JEG Tower, were designed, constructed, and operates to high standards for health and cleanliness, they reduce the risk of exposing its tenants to infection, effectively preventing the spread of the virus within the building.  

USGBC requires green buildings to control the collusion of air and pollutants as well as the exhaust backflow of kitchens and bathrooms. Green buildings are also designed to set up effective water seals to reduce the risk of virus transmission through drainage pipes, optimizes the building space and plane layout to enhance the effectiveness of natural ventilation. Green buildings can also regulate and control air conditioning systems by zones and have a well-designed site wind environment for the dissipation of viruses and harmful gases.  

RELATED: In Focus: Cebu to Launch its first Sustainable ‘Smart Building’ Soon 

As regulated by the WGBC, green buildings are designed to regulate the water and air quality, fitness and antibacterial function building materials to promote occupant’s health to reduce the risk of getting the disease and enhance the ability to resist viruses.   

JEG Tower in Cebu uplifts the health and wellness of its tenants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the building has designed office spaces to maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better airflow within the space, and organize initiatives to encourage healthier living for everyone. 

RELATED: JEG Tower @One Acacia: Bring Work to Life this 2020 

Aside from protecting its tenants from virus cross-infection and improving their health, better indoor air quality also upgrades the working environment for office buildings. 

“Improving indoor air quality has been shown to increase business productivity through being a factor in reducing absenteeism due to health issues,” Glindro said. “After all, we do spend a majority of our day in the office so taking steps into creating a healthy work environment will benefit the triple bottom line.” 

Premium green buildings emphasize the importance of uplifting the quality of life of its tenants by ensuring that the highest standards for health and safety are observed and followed.  

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Cebu scholar develops COVID-19 contract tracing app

The local government and the whole community of Cebu City come together to fight the spread of COVID-19 within the city and in the whole region. Mayor Edgardo Labella announced that they are ready for mass testing after acquiring 30,000 test kits. 

According to his press conference, 20,000 kits were handed over to the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) and to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), while the remaining 10,000 test kits were donated to the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7). 

As of April 14, Cebu City has recorded 31 COVID-19 positive patients. Mayor Labella said that they expect this number to rise once they begin with the mass testing. DOH has reported six new cases today after a few days streak of no positive cases. 

More than the implementation of enhanced community lockdowns and the establishment of isolation facilities, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia endorsed a mobile application that aims to control the spread of the virus via contact tracing. Through an executive order, Garcia required every Cebuano to download and install WeTrace, an app that would expedite contact tracing for persons infected with the coronavirus disease. 

“The WeTrace app has been developed to accurately trace and monitor, with utmost privacy and confidentiality, persons living in the Province of Cebu who have Severe Acute Respiratory Infections, Influenza-Like Illnesses or have been classified as Persons Under Monitoring or those symptomatic of the COVID-19,” the EO read. 

WeTrace supports a “report” feature wherein the public can disclose information given the chance that they have interacted with a COVID-19 positive patient, or those persons under investigation (PUI) and monitoring (PUM). It will prompt them to input their full name, contact information and details of their report. 

The app was developed by a homegrown talent, a Cebuano scholar of the Department of Science and Technology. This project was initiated right after the spread of the virus in the country was first reported. 

Technology photo created by nensuria – www.freepik.com

Apart from its report feature, WeTrace will also serve as a database and valid source of information of the Department of Health for statistics. The government unit can also release and disseminate information and health tips through the app. 

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Building A ‘Biophilic’ Office: What Is Biophilia And How Can It Benefit Your Business

As more companies and businesses recognize the importance of providing a workspace that would improve the health and wellness of their employees, ‘Biophilia’, or the term describing a love of life and living things, has been one of the emerging trends in interior design for offices in the world. The Biophilic office design includes features that aim to bring the outdoors in, especially in the workplace. 

In the previous year, the shift towards promoting a greener space in the office has been encouraged as studies find that incorporating biophilic design has a positive effect on the employees’ productivity, mood, and health. In fact, Human Space has reported that workplaces who have introduced elements of nature have witnessed a decrease in the levels of mental fatigue among staff members and an increase in levels of workplace wellbeing. 

Here are some ways that your business can incorporate biophilic design in your office: 

Introduce real and artificial plants  

Studies find that providing visual elements of nature within your workspace can help reduce stress and fatigue. In fact, mere exposure to green has a positive impact on creative performance, and at the same time, imparting a welcoming and relaxing environment. 

Adding real and artificial plants within your office premises does not only impact your office ambiance and aesthetics, but it can also effectively reduce unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, coughing, and a general feeling of being unwell, as plants reduce dust, mold, and CO2 levels. 

Make the most of natural daylight 

While some may imagine traditional office spaces with bright artificial lighting, many companies prefer to locate in spaces with open windows providing natural lighting and giving views from the outside. 

A recent study has confirmed that natural light in your office improves productivity and the overall health of employees. “Light is the most important synchronizing agent for the brain and body,” said Ivy Cheung, one of the authors of a study finding the connection of daylight exposure to employee health and productivity. “Proper synchronization of your internal biological rhythms with the earth’s daily rotation has been shown to be essential for health.”  

To make the most of your office’s natural light, make sure windows aren’t fully covered by blinds, and that workers’ desks are faced towards windows, rather than away from them. 

Stick to neutral and natural color schemes 

One of the key components of biophilic design is utilizing natural colors and incorporating a neutral color palette to the space itself. Interior designers say that biophilic design uses earth colors and tones such as greens, browns, golds, and tans, as well as blues and whites to mimic the sky and the sea. 

Add wood, stone, and granite details 

Studies find that tactile senses can play a huge role in adding biophilic elements in the office. Adding wood, stone, granite, and marble help in bringing the outside inside the enclosed office space. These materials can be incorporated as finishes on the likes of pillars, shelves, cupboards, and desks.  

Utilize available outdoor areas 

Office locations that offer outdoor spaces such as rooftops, balconies, and gardens can be more beneficial for businesses that are looking to adapting a biophilic workplace design. Add some comfortable seating and tables so staff can work outdoors when the weather permits as this access to natural light and fresh air have numerous benefits to your employees including increased productivity, creativity and wellbeing. 

Looking for an office space in Cebu City? Discuss your options with Lorenzo Rodriguez through (+63) 917-852-6884. For more information, send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us through (+632) 8403-5519.

Source: KMC Website

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Promoting Health and Well-being in the Workplace: Simple exercises you can squeeze in within your workspace

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, especially for those who work 8am to 5pm office jobs. This lack of activity doesn’t just affect your health; it can have a direct impact on your work performance and employee engagement. According to a research published on the Journal of Workplace Health Management: 

  • 60% of employees said their time management skills, mental performance, and the ability to meet deadlines improved on days they exercised  
  • 27% of employees reported higher levels of “dealing calmly with stress” on days they have worked out; and  
  • 41% of the sampled employees reported higher rates of work motivation during the days they have squeezed in a workout  

While the lack of time and space is a common excuse, incorporating physical activity in the daily should be one of your top priorities in balancing work and life. Work out while you work! Here are some simple exercises you can try: 

Start with your commute 

With the worsening condition of traffic, it may be a good idea to combat it with new ways of traveling to the office—by walking or biking to work! If you live far and commuting can’t be out of the picture, get off a few blocks early or get down at an earlier stop. Set a target distance of how much you can walk. If you drive to work, park at the far end of the parking lot or in a nearby lot. 

Premium green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia provides shower rooms for tenants and employees who will feel the need to freshen up and have a quick shower after walking or cycling to the building. 

Hit the stairs
Another easy yet effective work out? Take the stairs instead. Alight the elevators a few floors below your office then just climb your way up. Some find it easier to use the stairs at the end of the day to reach the lobby which works too. At the middle of the day, you can also use the stairs to walk up and down the rooftop for a 15-minute break. 

Get up and work 

Did you know that an average office worker spends almost 1,700 hours in a year in front of a computer screen? A study has found that this is about 75% of the time employees spend in a day. Get creative in finding ways you can get out of your chair every once in a while: Stand while talking on the phone, walk to a colleague’s desk for a face-to-face chat, or take the longer route to the bathroom. 

Join company-organized health programs 

Companies who promote a healthy lifestyle and work life balance organizes and facilitates various programs to encourage employees to be more aware of their health and well-being. This can vary from wellness talks, after or before work fitness sessions, green eating workshops, and the like.  

Give seated exercises a go 

Work out without even standing up and leaving your desk! Try these simple and easy exercises which you can do while sitting down and while working: 

  • Seated leg raises 

This exercise is so simple and low maintenance your co-workers won’t even have a clue. Sit upright in your office chair. Straighten your left leg so that it is parallel to the floor and hold it in place for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other leg. Do this routine for both legs for 15 repetitions. One you build up strength, try adding weight to your legs by looping your purse or briefcase on your legs while you do the raises. 

  • Hovering leg raises 

This is a more advanced—yet still easy routine while seated. Sit upright in your chair. But this time, raise both legs so that they are parallel to the floor. Slowly lower your legs until they are hovering an inch or two above the ground. Hold the position for as long as you can, and then release. 

  • The Football Fast Feet 

Sit in your desk chair with your feet flat on the ground. Rapidly tap your feet in place, as if running in place while sitting down. Do this without stopping for 30 seconds. Pause for 5 seconds. Then do it again for 30 seconds straight. Experts encourage to do this simple workout every half an hour or so to bring up your heart rate. 

Source: KMC Website

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JEG Tower @ One Acacia Holds Topping Off Ceremony

The construction of JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu City’s newest premium green building, is right on schedule. Marking the completion of the structural construction phase of the building, the tower held its topping off ceremony last November 19, 2019, on the 22nd floor of the building. 

JEG Development Corporation (JDC) executives, representatives from Casas Architects, and family members gathered to lay the final brick on the podium and mark an important milestone. The 22-storey tower will don as a landmark to celebrate their family’s legacy and promote sustainability through green real estate in Cebu. Executives from KMC, its sole leasing agency, were also present in the event. 

“Topping off is important for any development since it signifies a major accomplishment in the overall completion of the project,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer, said. “The superstructure is the most vital component in any building and to reach this point only means that we’re close to the finish line.” 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is more than just an additional gem to the Cebu City skyline. Designed by Casas Architects, it follows a sophisticated design without compromising its sustainable features. It will utilize and operationalize using less water, energy, and emit fewer greenhouse gases.  

JDC’s first high rise commercial venture is one of Cebu’s pioneers in raising the bar in the quality of premium commercial spaces in the region which will not only benefit its tenants’ operational costs but also uplift the working conditions of their employees. It utilizes top of the line technology such as Daikin VRV air conditioning systems and Mitsubishi DOAS elevators that organize their lifts to be the most time saving for office users.  

Through JEG Tower, JDC promotes the walkability of the business district by providing communal showers in the parking area. This unique amenity will not only encourage tenants to get a workout in but also contribute lesser carbon emissions to the environment. 

“What we are also excited about is the rooftop garden, which we are sure our future tenants will appreciate as well,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager shares. “It is a great area for events and is a perfect green space that we need for a quick afternoon respite overlooking the sea and the mountains to fuel and inspire the rest of the workday,” she added.

These energy-saving measures also mean a good investment for the tenants, in terms of saving money on reduced utility bills. It also promotes improved productivity of their workforce, which study after study has been shown to be increased in green buildings. JEG Tower is also one of the few LEED-certified buildings in the metropolis and is currently pre-certified LEED Silver. 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia Holds Topping Off Ceremony

“As the building is getting closer to turn over, locals can look forward to now having the option to choose better work environments for their companies and most especially for the people that work for them,” Gomez said. “The city will have a grade A building that fosters community and the work-life balance that every Cebuano deserves.” 

Leading to its launch and turnover in 2020, JDC is looking to achieve Gold certification.  

“Now that the superstructure is completed, all hands are on deck in finishing the building,” Sarmiento said. “The installation of our elevators, as well as the completion of our facade, are two of the more crucial activities that we have to pay close attention to next. We also intend to energize the building by January of 2020.” 

Once completed, JEG Tower @ One Acacia will also serve as JDC’s headquarters and home base.  

“JEG Development Company has placed a lot of resources to build the best workspace in the city, Stefan Garcia, JDC’s estate and business development manager said. “JEG Tower is one of a new crop of office developments in Cebu that are raising the standards of buildings in our city.” 

Source: KMC Website

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Defining Sustainability: Casas+Architects discusses why it matters in design and construction

As the call for more initiatives to combat climate change has become more urgent, sustainable and ‘green’ real estate is seen to be one of the most effective efforts from the building and construction sector to take part in.  

Casas+Architects is one of the country’s pioneers in designing better buildings. Committed to integrating the architectural design with their natural environment, the firm utilizes the company values of imagination, creativity, and skill from the creation of concept down to the most minute construction of sustainable structures in the Philippines. 

Designing Better Buildings 

“Beyond our commitment to distinction, our goal is to work for a positive impact on individual lives, the environment, and communities through sustainable design,” Architect Meloy Casas, founder and president of Casas+Architects said. “The goal of every sustainable building is to reduce the carbon footprint during its construction and lessen its negative impacts to the environment throughout its lifecycle,” he added. 

Being one of the multi-awarded architectural firms in the country, their thrust towards promoting sustainability with their projects is what defines their work and differentiates them from the rest. Since 2008, they helped in forming the Manila skyline, completing notable structures such as the Grand Hyatt/Metrobank Center, Pacific Plaza, Icon Residences, and Maybank Performing Arts Center, among others. 

Cebu’s Frontrunners of Sustainable Real Estate 

Today, they are expanding their operations to the Visayas with the design of one of its newest premium ‘green’ buildings, JEG Tower @ One Acacia. Architect Meloy has translated JEG Development Corporation (JDC)’s vision of making Cebu City more livable. 

“After a serious bidding process with other well-known architectural firms, the board selected Casas, not only because of his expertise but also because it was felt that he best knew how to turn JDC’s long-term dreams into a reality,” Stefan Garcia, the company’s Estate and Business Development Manager said. 

Driven to push forward this initiative to become the new standard, JDC specifically partnered with Casas+Architects to design this 22-floor tower towards sustainability, using environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy-efficient as possible. It is also one of the first buildings in the Cebu business park to be LEED pre-certified. 

“Architect Meloy was very active in the initial design stages of the building and has continued to be very present throughout the whole process,” Garcia added.

“The building design is the most important factor in achieving points for LEED certification,” Michael Glindro, Senior Manager for Landlord Representation of KMC said. “It is critical to have all stakeholders and design team members to plan and coordinate the design properly to build a truly green and sustainable building,” he added. 

KMC handles all the sale and leasing transactions for JEG Tower @ One Acacia, which is set to be completed early next year. 

Why Go ‘Green’? 

‘Green’ buildings are more costly to build and operate, however, this is Casas+Architects and JDC’s investment to a better future for the environment.  

“We’re doing this not with the cost in mind,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s COO stated. “The ‘green’ movement in the real estate industry has so much potential, and I think the Cebuanos can benefit from it,” he said. 

From the design perspective, Architect Casas said that going ‘green’ benefits both landlords and tenants in the long run. 

“’Green’ operations and management can reduce operating costs, enhance building marketability, increase workers’ productivity and reduce potential liability resulting from indoor air quality problems,” he enumerated. “On the other hand, the indoor environmental quality of ‘green’ buildings can have a significant effect on the health and well-being of its occupiers.” 

“If we are building something, we are doing it the best way possible,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s brand manager added. 

“Early on in the design phase, he encouraged us to dream big and not to think too much of the financial impact,” Sarmiento shared. “Some of the early designs were contrasting with what we eventually decided on, which made the process fun and engaging.” 

The Identifiers of Success 

Designing and building a ‘green’ building in the Philippines, especially in Cebu, comes with a challenge, however, Architect Casas saw this as an opportunity to excel even more.  

“The building orientation and location was a great challenge since its located on a prominent corner lot and bounded by two busy streets,” he said, citing one of the many technical difficulties in bringing his design to life.  

“The design would make the most of the unusual shape of the corner lot on Archbishop Reyes which is sure to become an icon of the Cebu skyline,” Garcia said. 

Architect Meloy Casas made a name for himself in the industry as a man with boundless passion and dedication for his craft. His eye for architecture and his ability to see beyond the essence of his design is what makes him one of the most trusted names in the industry. 

“JDC always desires to work with people at the forefront of the industry, matching the visionary ideals we hold to make Cebu a better place in which to live,” Garcia stated. “With Casas+Architects’ high-skilled workforce and use of technology, married well with our vision, and it hard for us to imagine what it would be like with a less expert firm.” 

“Considering the stature and reputation as one of the country’s leading Architects, working with Architect Casas has been as much a learning experience as it has been a great pleasure,” Sarmiento said. “Despite his many projects, he took the time to personally guide us through the process of selecting the design that was right for us,” he added. 

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Building a more livable Cebu: Top 5 green initiatives in Cebu City

As the condition of Climate Change continues to worsen, more and more institutions are driving programs and initiatives to help in combatting its effects and minimize harmful impacts on the environment. According to global reports, the world is already at its “tipping point” wherein various activities of modern man have been accelerating the global warming to the extent of changing climate patterns and endangering all forms of life.

In 2006, Cebu City has been named as the second most air-polluted city in the country. The city is also 6th out of the 16 Philippine cities vulnerable to Climate Change. Due to these alarming information, the Cebu City Government has been actively proposing measures to address this pressing issue, from conducting an annual ‘Carless Day’ to requiring vehicles to undergo regular emission tests, especially for those who are always stuck in traffic. Different programs are also set which aim to achieve an effective and efficient program to establish a clean and better environment for Cebu City residents.

More than these programs, other initiatives were also launched by individuals and non-government organizations to help the cause.

Plantable Pencils

Eco Hub, a start-up company based in Cebu City, has successfully launched its product, pencils that can grow back into plants and trees when planted. This innovation is no different from regular pencils, except that its tail end is a “gelatin capsule” that contains plant seeds in place of an eraser.

Eco Hub’s plantable pencils have capsules on the tips containing seeds which can grow into plants and trees

“This gives it a new lease on life. Instead of being thrown away, the plantable pencil becomes a symbol of sustainability,” Eco Hub said on their Facebook page.

A pencil costs Php. 20 each, and it comes in different seed options: tomato, mint, basil, sunflower, carrot, or citronella seeds, among others. The start-up sells other sustainable products such as reusable straws and utensils to further support the cause.

Plastic Ban

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena has signed a memo banning all single-use plastics in government offices. Food vendors can no longer use plastic bags, straws, cups, containers, and utensils in selling food to employees and visitors. Instead, every government employee and official is encouraged to bring their own reusable containers.

The government officials are pushing this initiative forward as they propose an ordinance prohibiting establishments, particularly groceries and supermarkets to use plastic bags for the next three years. Currently, this rule applies every Wednesdays and Saturdays as provided under Ordinance 2343.

Plant. Plant, Plant Program

In contrast to the Duterte Administration’s flagship infrastructure program ‘Build, Build, Build’, the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) implements a rule to replace every tree that will be affected by the ongoing projects under the program.

The government plans to grow over 3,000 trees to compensate the Build, Build, Build program in Cebu

“This is going to be the first time that DPWH will include as one important component, that is the preservation and conservation of our environment,” DPWH-7 (Central Visayas) Regional Director Edgar Tabacon told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In a January 8, 2019 memorandum of agreement signed by both agencies, the DENR-7 undertakes to implement the planting the trees replacing those that will be taken out due to civil works. Tabacon explained that every “planted” tree that will be affected by an infrastructure project will be replaced with 50 trees, while every “naturally-grown” tree will be replaced with 100 trees.

#ChallengeForChange

This campaign for change was started online. Abhi Yeole, an Indian national who resides in Cebu has set up a Facebook page called “We Don’t Deserve this Planet” with the goal of encouraging people to tidy their surroundings and take a “before” and “after” photo which they could post on their social media websites.

Yeole told Cebu Daily News that he and his group initially wanted to raise awareness on environmental concerns that are affecting the world today.

“We want to make people aware so that they know what’s the biggest problem today. Then, we ask for action to bring change,” he said.

Yeole said that they have been getting favorable responses from all over the world, as participants of the challenge range from residents of the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, India, and Thailand among others.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia

Being the second most populated urban area of the Philippines after Metro Manila, Metro Cebu has been experiencing a massive economic boom the past few years. Since the growth of the IT-BPM industry in the region, the demand for office and retail spaces in the Queen City of the South has also been on the rise. JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the city’s first green building. The 22-story building will offer additional Grade A office spaces in Cebu, without further contributing to the negative impacts of commercial spaces in the city.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is rising soon, taking Cebu City one step closer to being greener.

JDC, the corporation behind this initiative, specifically designed their first high rise project towards sustainability which made use of environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy efficient as possible. The sustainable design of the building does not only benefit the environment but also takes care of the overall well-being of its occupiers.

“Green developments aren’t a standard yet in Cebu, but we want to take the initiative starting with this building,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer stated.

“The green movement in the Real estate industry has so much potential, and I think the Cebuanos can benefit from it,” he said.

June is National Environment Month. DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales stated that this year’s celebration aims to raise awareness on how air pollution is destroying not just the environment but also the health and general well-being of the public. These initiatives, regardless of scale, are successful in increasing awareness and contributing to the cause against Climate Change, especially in Cebu City.