Championing Sustainability: How JEG Tower gives back to Cebu workforce

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in priorities around the world. Its impacts have been far-reaching and have affected multiple sectors and industries. In Philippine real estate, current developments or estates have been quick to rethink the commercial and office spaces that they are offering.  

Traditionally, the office is seen as a place of work where the employees are usually measured by the output produced. As the pandemic persists, the clear line that divides work and life blurs and so a more efficient integration is required.  

According to experts, integration is all about synergy, not trade-offs. The same mindset can then be applied to the building of sustainable yet premium spaces that fosters a productive environment without sacrificing public safety and wellness.  

JEG Tower @ One Acacia envisions a workplace in Cebu that puts its occupants’ health as its top priority. JDC has taken a holistic approach in ensuring that employees feel taken care of by providing them a space that is designed to respond to their need for protection not only physically but mentally.  

RELATEDSustainable Design: Impacts to New Normal and Climate Change   

As one of the main proponents of sustainability in the metro, JEG Tower @ One Acacia prides itself as one of the leading LEED buildings that used environmentally friendly materials with recyclable content in its steel bars, glass, and solar reflective paint. It is also equipped with efficient and cost-saving energy, water, and waste systems that significantly lowers its carbon footprint and avoids other hazards posed to its immediate community.   

Keeping people in mind, JEG Tower has since upgraded its facilities to successfully navigate and secure the post-lockdown business landscape. Indoor air quality is improved through the installation of a state-of-the-art MERV-13 filtration system that effectively prevents viral transmission.  

RELATEDGetting ahead of the curve: ‘Disease proofing’ the new normal workplace  

Safer re-entry to the office is also guaranteed through the placement of thermal scanners and minimizing touchpoints through automatic doors and sensor-enabled fixtures in common areas such as elevators and restrooms. In compliance with strict social distancing protocols, JEG Tower also utilizes Destination Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) technology in their elevators to prevent the usual congestion by efficiently managing car allocation reduce wait and travel time.   

The rise of the outdoor office  

Workplace designers are also recommending the introduction of biophilic elements in these evolving spaces. Experts say that nature is truly beneficial to both productivity and wellness. Gensler Chicago’s Managing Director Todd Heiser added that spaces with high levels of choice, variety, and balance deliver an excellent experience at work.   

Beyond stress reduction, biophilic spaces outdoors are generally known to be inspiring. Steelcase Vice President Allan Smith said that it is also proven to enhance well-being. support hospitality and expand the workplace ecosystem to inspire creative collaboration further.   

RELATED: The Importance of Biophilic Design in a Post-Lockdown Office  

According to TIME, accessibility and quality of green spaces also matter in ensuring satisfaction and improving the human experience. In the Netherlands, residents reportedly better mental health and more emotional attachment when exposed to quality greenery.  

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has also integrated biophilic elements into their spaces. It dedicated 20% of the estate to greenspaces and features a unique green roof for recreational activities that encourage employee movement and sociability.  

Looking for a safe workplace post-lockdown? Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or email your inquiry to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com.   

JEG Tower @ One Acacia Showroom: What to expect?

As the completion of JEG Tower @ One Acacia gets nearer, potential building occupiers and office lessees can have a more realistic view and feel of how their workspace could look like through the building’s showroom.

Located on the tower’s 7th floor, the showroom will feature and demonstrate some of the reasons why you should consider locating your business at the best workplace in Cebu City.

JEG Development Corporation’s first high-rise venture has implemented sustainable design for all its office spaces. As one of the newest premium green buildings in Cebu, the office spaces at the JEG Tower elevate the human experience by promoting their health, wellness, and safety without compromising the condition and wellbeing of the planet. Each office unit aims to maximize benefits for the occupants’ well-being and improve their work performance and output.

 JEG Tower’s offices utilize the Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system that is more energy efficient and provides better indoor air quality for the building tenants. According to technical reports and ratings, this type of air conditioning system can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent or more. VRF also has the potential to deliver long-term savings for building occupiers. 

Office tenants can also enjoy Cebu City’s captivating views from their workstations provided by the large windows on each unit. Larger windows are more ideal in a workplace environment as it allows maximum natural lighting for the employees’ comfort and health. Numerous studies have found that exposure to daylight and access to natural views improve employees’ moods and boost their morale. They are also found to be more productive if they are working in a setting with ideal and ample lighting.

JEG Tower’s bathrooms will also utilize innovative fixtures that conserve water and promote reduced water usage. The building’s greenspaces are also maintained by water efficient landscaping that ensures minimal water waste.

Watch out for JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s showroom updates soon! For site viewings, contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. You may also call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519.

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. 

JEG Tower Focus – Additional Safety Features for Disease Prevention

JEG Tower @ One Acacia aims to provide the best workplace in Cebu City. With the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic, this 22-storey premium green building will be adapting additional measures to ensure the safety of its tenants and employees.

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.

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. Following the meticulous standards set by the industry, it is designed to uplift and promote the overall health and well-being of its occupiers. More than its improved indoor air quality, ventilation, and ideal lighting. Other notable post-pandemic adoption features will also be installed.

Minimized contact

To limit the exposure and human to human contact, JEG Tower is redesigning entryways to the building and within the establishment. Sliding doors will be installed at the ground floor entrance. Employees and visitors can also input their information through QR code check-ins available at the reception area in the lobby.

Tenants are also being given the option to avail of adding more space for proper distancing. Multiple floor takers have an option to build an internal staircase between floors. This can be utilized to minimize the employees’ constant use of the tower’s elevators.

Common area bathrooms will have foot handles and sensor automated fixtures such as automatic faucets and toilet flushing will be installed.

Improved indoor air quality

Disease-causing viruses and bacteria spread in the workplace faster through the air that circulates in the office. Utilizing the highest-grade air filters and its fresh air system, JEG Tower significantly improves the indoor air quality for tenants inside the tower.

Space for sanitation and disinfection

Each office space or unit has a provision to construct their shower facility. This will be available in the tower’s parking floor for the convenience of the tenants. This is also included to support employees’ improved hygiene and serve as an additional disinfection or sanitation feature within the establishment.

Commute to work alternatives

Many studies show that there is an added risk of exposure for people who commute to their work while riding public utility vehicles. To reduce this risk, JEG Tower will provide additional bike racks to discourage tenants from commuting to work and minimize their exposure to other people.

Other amenities for alternative forms of transportation are being considered such as scooter parking and corresponding charging stations. 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. With the vision of upgrading the workplace lifestyle and improving the well-being of its occupiers, JEG Tower @ One Acacia invests in state-of-the-art technology and the latest innovation to provide security and safety from diseases the Cebuanos deserve.

The LEED Advantage: Should commercial buildings in the Philippines go for LEED certification?

As more people become aware of the benefits of a green building in the workplace and the community, many developers are pushing for sustainable and green real estate in the Philippines. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the certifications that buildings in the country can apply to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of its occupants.

Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), it is an internationally-recognized green building certification program that provides a third-party verification that a building was designed and built following strategies aimed at improving performance, increasing energy savings, water efficiency, and carbon emissions reduction, stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts, and improving indoor environmental quality.

LEED certification is achieved by five main LEED Rating Systems evaluating different aspects of building and construction. Primarily, commercial and office buildings follow LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C); LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C); LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M).

RELATED: What does LEED mean in Philippine Commercial Real Estate?

These rating systems allow developments to gain points pre-, during, and after the construction phase. Points collected by establishments determine which kind of certification they achieve: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified. As establishments correctly implement a strategy, they earn LEED points. The more points earned, the more sustainable the building is.

LEED certification is also recognized globally. It is the most widely adopted benchmark as its standards apply to buildings operating at a global, regional, and local levels. 

People, Planet, Profit

LEED certification differentiates buildings from the rest. It shows how companies put a premium on their tenants’ safety, comfort, and security while staying inside the establishment. It is also a statement for sustainability as green practices and strategies are upheld from the design, materials used, construction, and operations of the building. Lesser construction waste is also produced.

Moreover, a LEED certification also benefits developers and property owners, highlighting the ‘profit’ aspect of the program. Green buildings result in reduced energy and water usage, effectively lowering operating costs.  LEED-certified buildings have a greater resale value and drastically elevate a company’s branding and public image.

READ MORE: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention

Transitioning to the ‘new normal’, office buildings are applying stricter rules and regulations as some companies begin their business re-entry. These guidelines emphasize the health and security of building occupants against disease-causing bacteria and viruses, especially after numerous studies have attributed faster virus spread in the workplace.

One of the main aspects of LEED-certified buildings is its improved indoor air quality. Research has attributed virus outbreaks in office spaces to poor indoor air quality especially in confined spaces. These studies suggest that the filtration of recirculated air may be effective in reducing the transmission of airborne and infectious diseases. High-grade filters remove dust, vapors, bacteria, and fungi, and also effectively capture viral particles spread by droplet nuclei. 

Additionally, LEED-certified buildings optimize the ventilation inside office spaces. Research also found that an increased ventilation rate effectively reduces the cross-infection of airborne transmitted disease by diluting the contaminated air inside the space more rapidly and decrease the risk of cross-infection.

LEED is the new standard

Given the important role of the work environment in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, LEED certification is the new standard in securing the health, well-being, and safety of building occupiers. LEED’s basic principles of people, planet, and profit offer a cohesive standard for developers and property owners to forward the state of well-being of tenants and employees in the workplace.

Pursuing higher quality spaces encourage responsible building and developments that go beyond mere structure. Through green accreditation systems, the welfare of the community in and out of these spaces are prioritized.

Employees working in LEED-certified buildings are Happier, Healthier, and More Productive

More than being safe and protected, employees who are working inside a LEED-certified office building are found to be happier, healthier, and more productive, a study by the US Green Building Council found. Following the main principles that are People, Planet, and Profit, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings are designed and built to promote the overall health and well-being of its occupants while leaving the least negative impacts to the environment. 

Workplaces located inside a LEED-certified building are linked to improved productivity, increased output, and better work performance. The same study also found that the indoor air quality of their work environment contributes to its employees’ fulfillment at work and overall mood during office hours. 

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

More than 80 percent of survey respondents said that having access to clean, high-quality indoor air contributes to their overall workplace happiness. Another 80 percent said that the enhanced air quality improves their physical health and comfort. Numerous studies have linked high-quality air in indoor spaces to the improved cognitive function and focus of its occupiers. According to data, higher indoor air quality significantly enhanced nine specific areas of functional domains namely basic, applied and focused activity levels, task orientation, crisis response, information seeking, information usage, breadth of approach, and strategy. Improved air quality also resulted to better sleep and fewer health symptoms at work. 

Employees also noted that a view of the outdoors and ample natural lighting can also boost their happiness at the office. A recent study has confirmed that natural light in workplaces improve productivity and the overall health of employees. 

LEED-certified buildings such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia have observed the highest set of standards to ensure the overall comfort and safety of its occupants. They are also designed to promote their physical and mental health. 

The 22-storey tower located along Archbishop Reyes Avenue has achieved LEED® BD+C: Core and Shell pre-certification at the Silver Level. Once operational, it will use 12% less energy and water through its efficient and state-of-the-art technology. JEG Development Corporation’s first high-rise development will also give a generous view of the city and provide natural lighting in all office floors. The tower is also made of 20% green space which can also be beneficial to the relaxation and destressing of its occupants. 

RELATED: What is a Healthy Workplace? 

LEED-certified buildings provide a holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of its occupants. By covering physical and psychosocial aspects of wellness, employees located in such buildings are found to be happier, healthier, and perform better at work. 

Looking for an office space located in a LEED-certified building? Discuss your options with Lorenzo Rodriguez through (+63) 917-825-6884. For more information, send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us through (+632) 8403-5519. 

What is a ‘Healthy Workplace’?

A healthy workplace is an ideal place to work in. According to some research on employee behavior, one of the top three factors that employees look for in a job is a company’s commitment to health and wellbeing of its employees. This is given more emphasis as the world transitions to the new normal, giving a deeper definition to what a healthy workplace should look like.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a document defining what a healthy workplace should be, post pandemic. A healthy work environment is a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives. While there may be varied qualifications and qualities, the WHO has consolidated its concrete definition: 

“A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of workers and the sustainability of the workplace by considering the following, based on identified needs.”  

 Physical Work Environment 

Businesses can provide a healthy workplace by ensuring that the physical work environment is set to the highest industry standards and criteria. An ideal physical work environment ensures that the design and layout of the workplace is optimal for the comfort, productivity, and motivation of its employees. 

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention 

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) found that potential employees prefer working in an office located in a LEED-certified building, where their health and wellbeing are considered to be top priority. The same study found that workers based in a LEED-certified green building are found to be more satisfied on their job, and that 79 percent of the respondents agree that they would choose a job in a LEED-certified building over a non-LEED building. 

Uplifting health and safety in the physical work environment should cover indoor air quality, ventilation, maintained optimal humidity, and industry standard protocol for cleaning and maintenance. 

 Psychosocial Work Environment  

A healthy workplace should go beyond physical modifications and provide greater support to employees to their psychosocial needs. The 2018 Global Talent Trends survey found that one in two employees would like to see a greater focus on well-being at their company especially on the physical, psychological and financial wellness of its employees. 

A company’s culture contributes a huge role on the WHO’s definition of a healthy workplace. Programs organized and initiated by a company to promote healthy habits and uplift the general wellbeing of their employees should be holistic—providing focus not just on their physical wellbeing but looking after their mental health as well. One study also raises the issue of psychosocial hazards in the workplace that should be addressed by companies to promote a healthy workplace. These may include organizational culture and the attitudes, values, beliefs and daily practices, that can contribute as stressors to employees. 

Community Health and Wellbeing 

An ideal and healthy workplace is not bound by physical workstations and office floors, but should encompass communities. Providing a workplace setting that uplifts and prioritizes the overall health and wellness of its employees creates a huge impact on public health and vice versa. As active members of the community, employees who spend the majority of their day working in their offices should be in a work environment that ensures their holistic safety and wellbeing. 

RELATED: The Importance of Public Health in Communities 

Premium green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, invests in the well-being of its building occupiers by addressing health and wellbeing in a holistic approach. By following industry-set standards and optimizing building design and operations, it is one of the most ideal locations to work in Cebu City. JEG Tower puts a premium on their health, while practicing sustainability and energy efficiency. 

Is the Philippines Ready for More Sustainable Development?

Investing in technology that is geared towards sustainability and resilience will be the standard for commercial and residential properties, moving forward. In fact, the United Nations has prepared a roadmap to towards sustainability until the year 2030. This report covers multiple areas of the society — from governance, the economy, and urban planning and design. Recent global events have also raised the discussion of pushing for green real estate and technology to promote the health and general wellbeing of communities around the world. 

Sustainability in real estate has long been a standing movement in the industry. More awareness and campaigns have been made to encourage the shift towards sustainability as the United Nations Environment Programme reported that the building sector has the potential to make energy savings of 50% or more in 2050. The US Energy Information Administration also supported this claim as the organization reported that this increased demand for energy was driven by residential and commercial establishments

According to a 2018 report, real estate can be a powerful driver for corporate sustainability and for making the Sustainable Development Goals a reality. 

The discourse on the importance of uplifting the health and wellness of building occupants was also raised as the world combats the COVID-19 pandemic. Various workplace protocols and guidelines were modified and implemented to protect the safety of public and common spaces, including the workplace. Buildings are also optimizing their technology and design to prevent another health crisis in the future. 

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention 

In the Philippines, green real estate is starting to become the new standard in the residential and commercial sector. According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI),  green markets tend to thrive in developing economies, and the Philippines is now transitioning into a culture that advocates sustainable design and technologies. 

The Building Owners and Managers Association of the Philippines noted that the government are also starting to create policies that will benefit the green movement in real estate. Eduardo Manahan, the organization’s chairman said that the country is on the road to building greener and smarter communities

“We have a law pending in Congress about green building, and we are also in the process of approving the revision of the National Building Code,” Manahan said in a 2018 interview. “Once approved, everybody should follow, and the buildings should be compliant with these things,” he added. 

The shift towards more sustainable and greener developments will also make the country a more globally attractive investment destination for commerce and real estate. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has also released policy-making guidelines for countries to support green growth and development in different sectors. 

RELATED: Shift to Sustainability: Highlighting Green Real Estate in the Philippines 

JEG Development Corporation is one of the frontrunners of sustainable real estate in Cebu and in the Philippines. It’s first high-rise commercial development, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is set to be one of the first premium green buildings within the Cebu Busines District.  

“JEG Tower is one of a new crop of office developments in Cebu that are raising the standards of buildings in our city,” JDC Estate and Business Development Manager Stefan Garcia explains. “Our company has placed a lot of resources to build the best workspace in the city.” 

From the building’s design to the construction processes, and operations, JEG Tower is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. It is also one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified structures. It is currently pre-certified at the Silver level for building design and construction (LEED BD+C). The Tower will also operationalize using less water and electrical power than many of the structures currently in the city’s central business district. It is expected to emit less in terms of dangerous greenhouse gases. 

Want to learn more about Philippine Real Estate’s shift towards sustainability?

Reach out to Michael Glindro at mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com or (+63) 917-584-0443. Send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com or call us at (+632) 8403-5519

How Green Buildings Contribute to your Health and Safety

Green buildings are designed to prioritize the general well-being of its occupants by ensuring their health and safety. As the world learned lessons on the importance of the environment concerning public health, a shift towards the construction and development of sustainable green buildings becomes highlighted.  

Changes in the demographics of the workforce and the requirements of a healthy workspace have greatly influenced this innovation in real estate and construction. Initially, the sustainability angle was about reducing the environmental impacts of buildings. However, as the community includes health and wellness in their top priorities, green developers started widening the scope of the advantages of staying in one.  

RELATED: How LEED certification can help prevent disease spread in the future  

Green buildings provide amenities and spaces that are designed and built with an optimized environment that may be beneficial to their tenants’ health and wellbeing. Contributing to an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional wellness, here are 5 reasons why staying in a green building is good for you:  

How-Green-Buildings-Contribute-to-your-Health-and-Safety-content-compressor

Better Brain Function  

Studies prove that the brain’s cognitive performance is greatly affected by the environment it is in. Green buildings impact a person’s cognitive function by improving focus and motivation. One research found that occupants of a green building scored higher in cognitive tests, slept better, and reported fewer health symptoms. 

READ MORE: How green buildings improve indoor air quality & provide a healthier working environment  

Encourages Movement and Activity  

Green buildings are designed to support the physical needs of an individual’s health standards. Spaces inside a green building are conducive environments that provide more opportunities for exercise and physical activity. Designated amenities and equipment are made available in rooms and common areas. Bike racks and shower rooms are also provided for the convenience and comfort of the tenants that wish to exercise.  

Hosts Collaboration and Communication   

Green buildings promote a person’s health and overall wellness by bringing positive social and emotional benefits too. Various health and wellness programs can be a venue for socialization and an opportunity for its tenants to build relationships and connect more.  

Provides Space for Detox and Meditation  

Green buildings also prioritize the mental health of their tenants. More than just contributing to better cognitive function, they also provide spaces that can be used for stress relief and meditation. Green areas and spaces can also relax the brain as the color is associated with calmness.  

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

Built for Resilience  

Green buildings are also designed and built under the highest standards for resilience. Engineers, architects, and building designers work together to increase planning to cope with natural disasters and environmental threats. Moreover, sustainable materials are also used to construct green buildings, reducing its negative impacts on the environment.  

Interested in locating in a green building too? Contact Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443 or through mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com. You may also reach out to us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or through info@kmcmaggroup.com.  

Shift to Sustainability – Highlighting Green Real Estate in the Philippines

The role of health has taken the spotlight as the government, along with other industries have been taking the initial steps to the new normal. More emphasis has been given to creating resilient and sustainable buildings that will further support the promotion of public health and wellness, especially in the workplace.  

Sustainability has been an enduring trend in real estate for decades. Aside from the negative health and economic effects, the COVID-19 pandemic also revealed how massive the impact of economic activity and building & construction has on the environment.  

According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), healthy design and construction of green buildings should be prioritized now more than ever as they do not only key determinants of market competitiveness and investment appeal, but as more private estates aim to make sustainable and green real estate the standard in the Philippines.  

RELATED: JEG Tower at One Acacia: A sustainable landmark rises – Property Report PH  

Some publications have been suggesting that sustainability in real estate should be the new norm and should be the new standard post-pandemic. Optimizing residential and commercial structures to promote health and hygiene, and at the same time, contribute lesser negative impacts to the environment should be the focus of shift in the real estate landscape in the Philippines.  

Sustainable buildings, especially those that are certified by LEED, WELL, or BERDE in the country implements specialized measures that do not only prevent disease and potential outbreaks in the future but greatly contribute to the security and protection of public health in communities.  

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention  

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. While other commercial establishments will only start to adapt to these newer standards after the coronavirus outbreak, sustainable and green buildings that were already certified by programs such as LEED have long been uplifting the quality of the work environment and promoting the health and well-being of their tenants.  

Driven to push forward this initiative to become the new standard, JEG Development Corporation (JDC) has 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.  

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has been one of the few commercial establishments in Cebu City that advocates for the overall health and wellness—not only of their tenants but the community as a whole. Earning its Silver pre-certification even before launching, this is JEG Tower’s commitment to the continuous betterment and upliftment of their fellow Cebuano’s lives, especially now after a pandemic.  

RELATED: Defining Innovation in Real Estate  

In addition, JEG Tower was designed in such a way that tenants are also encouraged to lead a more sustainable lifestyle for themselves, not just as a defense against potential health crises in the future. This is also part of the general mission of JDC to improve life in Cebu City.  

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. Envisioned as one of the most preferred work locations for Cebuanos, JEG Tower @ One Acacia will not only offer office spaces that will boost employee productivity but also provide a space where their health and well-being is the main priority.