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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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How LEED Certification can help Prevent Disease Spread in the Future

The current pandemic has brought a 180-degree change in the way people live and work. Some of these changes may be temporary, but some might be permanent adjustments that will help in preventing another outbreak or at least improve the community’s preparation for one.   

Due to COVID-19, buildings will give more emphasis to the health and wellness of their tenants. While other offices will only start implementing such changes to adapt, commercial establishments 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—amid a pandemic or not. 

Here are some ways LEED certification can help prevent diseases in the future:  

LEED-certified buildings, like JEG Tower, were designed, constructed, and operates to high standards that prioritize the health of its tenants. Green buildings regulate water quality, air quality, and antibacterial functions to promote their occupants’ health and reduce the risks of getting diseases and viruses.   

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

The LEED certification also ensures these buildings have increased ventilation which also improves the health and wellbeing of the tenants and drastically improves their work performance.  

In addition to providing the basic functions, LEED-certified buildings also reduce the risk of infection and prevent cross-infection inside the workplace. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) requires establishments to include measures that will control the collusion of air and pollutants, exhaust backflow of bathrooms, Green buildings are designed to set up effective water seals to reduce the risk of virus transmission through drainage pipes. Under the LEED certification, buildings should optimize the space and plane layout to enhance the effectiveness of natural ventilation. They should also be able to regulate and control air conditioning systems by zones and have a well-designed site wind environment for the dissipation of viruses and harmful gases. 

Moreover, LEED ensures that the cleanliness of the environment is greatly prioritized. Strengthened cleaning policies are followed using sustainable and safe cleaning products. Proper waste management is also observed, which plays a big role in disease prevention.  

Following the ‘People’ aspect of the triple bottom line of LEED, (People, Planet, Profit), certified buildings ensure that they are safe and healthy environment for their occupants.  

The vaccine against the new coronavirus is yet to be developed, which means the best protection one can have against it depends on the body’s immunity and the community’s cleanliness. 

RELATED: Promoting Health and Well-being in the Workplace  

Promoting physical activity among building tenants while creating a safe and welcoming environment is the top priority of LEED-certified green buildings. These goals help in ensuring that building occupants are healthy year-round, not just during a global pandemic.  

The current COVID-19 outbreak is reemphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s health and proper hygiene. It also reminds how easily diseases can spread in the workplace. Office buildings can either help in its prevention or aid its spread and proliferation. Building certification programs such as LEED recognize the importance of certain aspects of building design and maintenance that play an important role in disease spread and prevention of outbreaks in the future. 

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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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JEG Tower @ One Acacia: Bring Work To Life this 2020

Work-life balance never looked this green! 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is right on schedule. The building nears its top off in the 3rd quarter of 2019 and ready for turnover 1st quarter of 2020. Located at Arch. Reyes Ave. cor. Acacia Street, Cebu City, JEG Tower is set to be an icon among office buildings in the city with its environment-friendly features and sophisticated design. It is very near Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu’s biggest mall complex, as well as some of Cebu’s top hotels and residential condominiums, keeping up to its tagline “Bringing Work to Life.”  

JDC, the tower’s developer, partnered with Casas Architects, one of Philippines top architectural firms. Together, they aim to bring out its vision of sustainable buildings and keep up with the global trend on green real estate. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is a Grade A building and a definite future-proof structure in terms of design.  

JEG Tower @ One Acacia also aligns with the developer’s advocacy towards the environment by achieving LEED (pre-certified Silver), one of Cebu’s first buildings to achieve such distinction. 

The building also has several features to help achieve work-life balance for its tenants. Some of the amenities the building provides is a green rooftop terrace, chapel, shower rooms, and bike racks to promote wellness among its occupiers. The building is designed with the health and well-being of its occupants in mind. The building can also accommodate headquarters, shared service, and BPO office needs. 

Currently, the 22-storey building is in its pre-leasing stage for some of its office floors. Available spaces follow typical floor plate of 1,100 square meters which can be subdivided into 9 bare shell units with AC. 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is definitely the office building of choice for all business sectors. Its occupants will surely benefit from the building’s amenities and the environment will also benefit from its sustainable design. 

For any leasing inquiries or viewing request, you may contact KMC on +632 403 5519 or email us at jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.