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How can solar power reduce building costs?

How can solar power reduce building costs?

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

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

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

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

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

Solar Appreciation Day 2022

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

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Future-proofing your Office with Sustainability

Future-proofing-your-Office-with-Sustainability

Changes brought by the pandemic to the lives of people have further inspired and pushed developers to future-proof spaces they offer. For businesses to adapt to the changes presented by unprecedented circumstances, spaces should allow innovation and anticipate future modifications to further support companies and provide its needs to operate. 
 
As defined by McKinsey, future-proofing an office and an organization is looking ahead of design trends, making use of innovative technology, and anticipating to minimize risk and adapt to changes in the future. Penketh Group, a workplace design and strategy organization, also noted that future-proofing workplaces is a “form of damage control used to reduce any barriers, limitations or negative consequences as time ticks on and industries evolve.” 
 
Future-proofing for Millennials 
 
Organizations and businesses in the Philippines begin to realize the importance and crucial role of the workplace to the health, safety, and productivity of its employees. As the labor force shifts to a new demographics, priorities in employment and retention have also changed. In 2021, an estimate of 47.1% of more than 66 million Filipino workers were identified as part of the millennial generation. Dubbed as the “Job-hopping Generation”, Gallup reported that more than salary and climbing the corporate ladder, millennials prioritize a company’s culture and a good workplace. 

Future-proofing-your-Office-with-Sustainability-2

Future-proofing & Sustainability 

Future-proofing a workplace goes hand in hand with sustainability. More than just a construction and design trend, sustainability has become an encompassing approach to maintaining an optimal space for employees and taking care of their holistic well-being.  
 
Green and sustainable features secure an organization’s future and significantly impact the health, wellness, and safety of its occupants. Here are some ways sustainability contributes to future-proofing your office:  

Smart Technology 

Smart technology will be one of the requirements for workplaces 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. 
 
Premium green buildings utilize this innovative solution through 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. 
 
RELATED: https://jegtower.com/the-future-of-workplace-contactless-features-and-smart-technology/ 

Optimal Indoor Air Quality 
 
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, related to the health and comfort of its occupants. Research emphasizes that this is an important factor in providing a safe and healthy workspace for employees post-pandemic. 
 
Many studies have made direct correlation with better pandemic response and providing an improved indoor air quality. Premium green buildings like JEG Tower @ One Acacia utilizes the MERV-13 air filters and Fresh Air System for optimal indoor air quality. As a LEED Gold establishment, the 22-storey premium green building in Cebu City uses these top-grade filters that 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.  
 
The tower’s MERV13 filter is one of the highest-grade filters in the industry that promotes an ideal indoor environment and eliminates the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi. 

Waste Management & Recycling 

Green buildings also prioritize proper waste disposal and recycling. In the Philippines, one of the frontrunners of sustainability, JEG Tower @ One Acacia collects and stores waste materials for recycling, including the diversion and demolition of debris from disposal in landfills and incineration facilities. Instead, these recyclable construction materials are redirected back to the manufacturing process and appropriate reclamation sites. This process reduces demand for virgin resources and further reduces the environmental impacts of resource extraction, processing, and transportation. 

Biophilia 
 
One of the simplest requirements for building a biophilic office is the introduction of plants and greenspaces within the work area. By introducing plants, either in pots or in the form of living green walls into the office environment, indoor air quality is improved as the vegetation can help in absorbing pollutants, toxins, and disease-carrying viruses. This can complement a building’s air filtration system that optimizes disease prevention. 
 
Biophilic designs in workplaces also feature large windows that allow maximum natural light. Many studies have linked this design to improved productivity, motivation, and overall happiness and satisfaction of employees in the office. 
 
READ MORE: https://jegtower.com/the-importance-of-biophilic-design-in-a-post-lockdown-office/ 

Well-being Programs 

To further improve the overall well-being of its tenants, premium green buildings also offer opportunities and programs that directly affect their health. According to Business News Daily, providing lifestyle enhancement benefits can be a powerful method to recruit and retain employees. These benefits usually involve fitness, mental health, or medical needs. Simply giving access or capacity to avail gym memberships, health apps or other assistance programs can keep them happy and loyal. 

With more employees being health-conscious, a future-proof workplace successfully incorporates sustainability, sophistication, and safety in its design and layout. Premium office spaces provide an additional layer of protection to its tenants against the virus and other threats to their holistic health.  

Premium green buildings and commercial developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, ensure that the workplace gives utmost importance to the health, safety, and holistic well-being of its tenants. With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features that provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs. 
 
Want to learn more about how the workplace can support employee well-being? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 

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Creating People-Centric Public Spaces in the Philippines

For decades, the human factor in creating public spaces has been overlooked and haphazardly addressed until the COVID-19 crisis. Over the last two years, the way of life has been changed drastically, inspiring modifications and adjustments in the way people live, work, and play. The pandemic has highlighted the need for more people-centric public spaces that will prioritize and improve the health, safety, and protection of the people in the new normal. 

What are People-Centric Public Spaces? 
 
People-centric or human-centered public spaces are spaces that are designed to provide tailor-fitted solutions to the needs of the public, providing resources that protect their interests. Since the crucial role of public health was also emphasized over the pandemic, more have been advocating for more people-centric public spaces in the Philippines. 
 
Even before the pandemic, the call for the creation of these spaces was clear. In 2016, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development conducted Habitat III, a conference where world leaders, policymakers, and advocates convened and echoed the need for “safe, inclusive, accessible, green, and quality public spaces, including streets, sidewalks and cycling lanes, gardens, and parks that are multi-functional areas for social interaction and inclusion, human health and well-being, economic exchange, and cultural expression and dialogue” 
 
Green Real Estate and People-centric Designs 

The COVID-19 pandemic also drove a significant change in real estate on a global scale. Sustainability was no longer a ‘trend’ in the industry that focuses on environment conservation, but also became a guiding principle in creating people-centric designs and promoting the health and safety of building occupants and tenants. 

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention 
 
Green buildings or developments that were designed and constructed following sustainable measures and operating through energy-efficient means became synonymous with healthy spaces that protect lives with resiliency, safeguard well-being, and amplify human experiences. 

As one of the most essential public spaces shared by a community, office and commercial developments remain as crucial points for public health and safety. Due to the pandemic, Buildings today give more emphasis to the health and wellness of their tenants. While other offices will only start implementing such changes to cater more towards well-being, LEED-certified buildings have long been uplifting the quality of the work environment and promoting the health and well-being of their tenants—during a health crisis and beyond.  
 
LEED-certified developments optimize space for disease prevention. With its unique green facilities and top-grade amenities, tenants inside premium green buildings enjoy optimal indoor-air quality, exposure to natural light, access to green spaces, and contact-less facilities that are key in workplace wellness and safety. 
 

READ MORE: Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines 

 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia advocates for the holistic well-being and safety of its tenants and occupants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the award-winning building offers office and retail spaces that maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and utilize solar energy for more efficiency. 
 
Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability and advocates for holistic health in the Philippines? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 

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Advantages of Green Buildings in Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness

Over the past few years, the world has experienced extreme weather conditions and severe disasters caused by Climate Change. Environment and climate experts warn that this trend will continue across the globe as widescale degradation occurs. The Philippines is not a stranger to the devastation caused by strong typhoons, flooding, and landslides. Last December, super typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, hit some parts of the country, especially Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu City, a known metropolis and economic center of the region, experienced its onslaught, leaving many without homes, electricity, and water.  
 
Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness  
While the occurrence of natural calamities is inevitable and to be expected, disaster risk reduction and preparedness are key in protecting lives and property. Experts say that for measures to be effective, a holistic and comprehensive approach should be in place. The government, private institutions, and individuals should cover policies and promote practices to ensure the effectiveness of programs, complemented by the structural integrity of structures and establishments. 

Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events.

Sustainability for Disaster Preparedness

The importance of integrating sustainability in real estate and development becomes reemphasized as more recognize its importance in achieving resilience. Sustainability is an encompassing concept that is a critical factor affecting not only the environment, but also the health, safety, and productivity of a structure’s occupants and the public.

As defined by the US Green Building Council, green or sustainable real estate is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. Hand in hand with the standards to promote environment conservation and the promotion of overall well-being, this concept offers an opportunity to create environmentally efficient buildings for resiliency.


While green buildings are primarily designed to lessen greenhouse emissions and construction’s impact on the environment, sustainable structures exhibit mitigation and adaption strategies passive design principles to shape the built environment in a way that is both responsive and resilient to future climate extremes.

In a study, the resilience ability of green buildings may be achieved in two ways; reducing the initial damage to building systems and infrastructure and using passive design principles to increase building resilience.

Reducing the initial damage to building systems and infrastructure means designing systems that ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. Passive design principles, on the other hand, are the techniques of placing, orienting, and massing a building to optimize the use of the sun and climate to provide natural lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Premium green buildings in the Philippines, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, do not only promote sustainability in terms of health and the environment, but also raise the bar in advocating for resilience. Being a LEED Gold-certified establishment, the 22-storey commercial tower was designed to be a safe and healthy space for businesses that are looking to relocate or expand to the Visayas.

Want to learn more about the edge of green buildings in resilience and disaster preparedness? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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2022 resolutions for a greener & healthier workplace

The new year is a perfect opportunity to start greener and healthier resolutions in the office. As the world continues to recover and adjust to a better normal, many companies and employees commit to being healthier and more conscious about public safety and the environment.

Here are some simple and sustainable New Year resolutions for a greener and healthier office and organization in 2022:


Go Paperless (as much as you can)

Going completely paperless may be a long reach but trying to limit the use of new paper or recycling old ones is always a good start. As companies transition to a hybrid work set-up, cloud-based apps and software can also be a good way of conserving paper.

‘Bike or Walk to Work’ Day

To lessen the emission of carbon monoxide, some countries observe a national “Bike to Work” day every May. This observance does not only raise the awareness of cyclists, but also promotes the health benefits of exercise and advocates for the protection of the environment.

Young Asian woman ride bikes to work she is happy and safe

Some office and commercial establishments, like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, advocates for this alternative by offering bike racks within the building and providing shower rooms on parking floors.

Organize Company Health Programs

To promote health, wellness, and camaraderie, employers can organize company-wide health programs and allot office hours for everyone to join. Various initiatives such as seminars, workout sessions, or mental health consultations can greatly impact employees’ holistic well-being.

Promote Public Health
There is a renewed global recognition of the importance of health and wellness after the world experienced a pandemic. Public health has become a focus for policy makers, government units, and private organizations.

In a report by the World Health Organization, a safe and healthy community can be ensured through effective guidelines that are observed by a group of people at all times. Providing a workplace setting that uplifts and prioritizes the overall well-being and safety of its employees creates a significant impact on public health.

Commit to Green Initiatives
Companies who want to shift to sustainability this year can start by committing to environmental initiatives. By getting involved in community-based programs and organizing projects for the environment, companies will not only greatly impact the cause but would also earn a brand image that takes care of the environment.

Conserve Energy

Conserving energy in the workplace does not only benefit the company’s utility costs, it also significantly benefits the environment. Premium green buildings, like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, address greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of energy required for building operations. With a whole-building approach, these establishments use energy more efficiently by utilizing top-of-the-line technology.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia advocates for the holistic well-being and safety of its tenants and occupants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the award-winning building offers office and retail spaces that maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and utilize solar energy for more efficiency.

Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability and advocates for holistic health in the Philippines? Reach out to Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Why right the time for renewable energy in the Philippines is now

The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the call for sustainability across industries in the world. As countries begin to recognize the importance of addressing health and safety concerns in a holistic approach, green and sustainable features become a standard in real estate developments, especially in the Philippines.

As a developing country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is susceptible to the impending effects of global warming and climate change. The ever increasing demand for energy and power also contributes to the continuous burning of fossil fuels, which is not only detrimental to the environment but could also lead to health implications in the long run.

Here are a few reasons why the right time for renewable energy in the Philippines is now:

Much needed Economic Boost

Long periods of lockdowns and the global economic recession significantly put a dent in the local economy of the Philippines. Investing in renewable energy can provide a much-needed economic boost and overcome fears of a U-shaped recovery. According to the World Economic Forum, citing numbers from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), every dollar invested in the clean energy transition provides 3-8 times the return.

More Employment Opportunities

The widespread adoption of renewable energy creates employment opportunities up and down the supply chain. As of 2018, the renewable energy sector has already employed 11 million people worldwide. According to a May 2020 report released by McKinsey, international government spending on energy efficiency efforts creates 3 times more jobs than allocating budget for fossil fuel production.


Lower Health Risks

Renewable energy reduces health risks since higher production of fossil fuels increases air pollution and increases the chances of respiratory issues, which is more crucial because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solar power is a clean and renewable energy that does not contribute to the creation of carbon emissions in the world, effectively reducing air pollution. By using solar power instead of the municipal power supply, businesses that are located in solar-powered establishments limit the production of greenhouse that also contributes to common health problems such as asthma.

RELATED: Benefits of Solar Energy in the Office

Improved Energy Resilience

With a consistent and growing demand for energy and power, electricity grids and systems remain overworked in the Philippines. In turn, these only produce erratic electrical supply in some parts of the country, especially in remote areas. Renewable and clean energy sources are more sustainable sources of power, providing access for all while reducing electricity costs for consumers.


Additionally, renewable energy can provide electricity access for commercial buildings that utilize solar panels to reduce its dependency on the local power grid. Stored solar energy can help in guaranteeing a 100% uptime and providing a more reliable backup power to sustain business operations in case of a power blackout.

READ MORE: Sustainable Developments: Benefits and Why More Businesses are Choosing to be Green

JEG Development Corporation advocates for sustainability and the use of renewable energy in the Philippines. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the first commercial development in Cebu to use solar energy to operationalize the 22-storey premium green building.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower is designed towards sustainability and operates to reduce negative impacts to the environment and provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Interested in leasing an office in this premium green office space? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com to schedule a viewing.

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JEG Tower in Focus: DOAS Elevators for the New Normal Workplace

One of the key and unique sustainability features that make JEG Tower @ Acacia stand out is its Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators that are utilized in all 22 floors of the premium green building.

DOAS elevators are developed to ensure strategic and safe movement within the vertical development, with innovative technology designed to utilize less energy consumption. By optimizing mobility and decongesting key common areas in the building, less energy is consumed.

More than utility savings and lesser energy consumption, the DOAS system integrates the building’s elevators with installed turnstiles that allow for a unique lift assignment, making it easier to contact trace and assuring a less crowded lobby. 

As the economy reopens and more employees are returning to the workplace, JEG Tower’s DOAS elevators add another layer of contactless protection to the building as it reduces the need to press a button for a car call. Through the automated assignment, the allocated car only has one destination, allowing for reduced waiting or time, and energy efficiency.

DOAS Elevators for the New Normal Workplace

Elevators are an essential means of transportation for workers in high-rise office buildings, however, as the workplace adapts to the new normal, many employees become wary of their safety and health while inside a closed and constricted space.

DOAS elevators aid in managing the traffic for building occupants. This system limits the exposure of employees to other tenants in the building from other floors. This helps promote social distancing without sacrificing waiting time.

This system also minimizes the need for touching surfaces as it eliminates elevator buttons. Turnstiles that are situated in the lobby will automatically assign to which elevator car employees need to ride to reach their desired floor. This touchless option mitigates any risk for cross-contamination inside the commercial building.

READ MORE: Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

As one of the frontrunners of sustainability and advocates of work-life balance in the Philippines, JEG Tower @ One Acacia uplifts the holistic health and well-being of its tenants, especially in the new normal. This 22-storey premium green building has designed office spaces to maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and organize initiatives to encourage healthier living for its tenants.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines and a LEED Gold certified office building, JEG Tower @ One Acacia invests in top-grade amenities and the latest technology to offer the best, safest, and healthiest place to work in Cebu City.

Interested to know more about this rising icon of sustainability? Connect with us by calling (+63) 2-8403-5519 or sending an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Sustainable Real Estate: Why You Should Work in a Green Building

The COVID-19 pandemic has reemphasized the importance of public health within communities. The global health crisis highlighted how the environment and space people occupy can directly affect their health significantly. In the middle of a global climate and health crisis, promoting sustainable spaces is more crucial than ever. Green and sustainable workspaces do not just benefit the environment, they greatly impact the people in them as well.


Why You Should Work in a Green Office

Much research has found a link between a safe and healthy office space and design with the overall well-being of its occupants. From health benefits to productivity boosts and the obvious environmentally friendly impact, here are more reasons why employees should work in a green building:

Health Benefits

Providing plants and real greenery is one of the easiest ways of gradually transforming an office into a green space. Studies as early as the 1960s proved how plants can drastically improve the air quality in a contained area. A study conducted at Washington State University revealed that incorporating plants in office spaces can reduce dust levels by as much as 20%, as the plants remove particulate matter from the indoor environment. Office flora can also help bolster humidity levels to the 30% – 60% range required for human health.

The biophilic design of workspaces inside green buildings incorporates ecological aspects that minimize stress levels, reduce mental fatigue, and elevate mood.

Increased Productivity

Having large windows that allow maximum natural light to come into the space also positively impacts the wellness of employees. Exposure to sunlight was proven to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused, improving morale and productivity.

A study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also discussed how improved indoor environmental quality doubled their participants’ cognitive function and boost creativity.

Friend of the Environment

In a press release, UN Environment has highlighted how buildings are a key driver of energy demand globally.

Green buildings are designed and constructed to significantly reduce global emissions, as the buildings sector is responsible for around 39% of all energy-related CO2 emissions and 36% of final energy use.

Sustainable real estate is an effort to reduce the grave impact of buildings which accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of all solid waste generation in developed countries, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.

RELATED: Workplace Re-Entry 101: Why choose green buildings as your next office

Premium green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, invest 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 its tenants’ health while practicing sustainability and energy efficiency.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, this 22-storey tower has achieved its LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. With 68 points, it is the highest-scoring LEED 2009 project in the province.

Contact KMC via jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com for leasing inquiries and more information today!

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JEG Tower achieves LEED Gold, set to become Cebu’s First Commercial Development to use Solar Energy

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has officially achieved a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. The development was also awarded 68 points, the highest-scoring LEED CS project in Cebu. The 22-story tower achieved gold for BD+C Core and Shell.

Moreover, 2020’ Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy as it enters into a 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with COREnergy for a Zero Cash-Out solar photovoltaics (PV) plant. 

(Photos from COREnergy. Actual panels on JEG Tower to be installed.)

The development is set to utilize a 40 kWp Solar PV System from over 100 pieces of Polycrystalline PV Modules installed on the building crown. The system will be able to supply electricity to fully or partially power the lower ground floor to the 6th Floor.

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

JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s venture to renewable energy is just proof of its commitment to use a safer energy option to benefit the environment. “Sourcing out solar energy used to be a challenge but with suppliers like COREnergy, availability is here and more importantly it is affordable,” Sarmiento said.

Innovators in the Industry

JDC, a homegrown real estate commercial and residential developer in Cebu City, is regarded to be one of the frontrunners of sustainability and green real estate in the country. With this additional top-grade green feature for JEG Tower, the company becomes one of the pioneers of renewable energy in the Visayan region.

“The building will be utilizing solar power to pump water from the cistern tank to the water tank above the roof deck, run all the electrical systems in the main lobby including the turnstiles, run the systems in the fire command center, run back of the house systems and/or the building manager’s office,” Tomas Tan, JDC’s Senior Manager for Technical Services explained. He also noted that the high-rise commercial building will use the generated energy in real time, requiring no electric storage.

“No batteries or net metering system is required since the power generated by the solar PV system will be immediately used to run the building,” he added.

(Photos from COREnergy. Actual panels on JEG Tower to be installed.)

Sustainable Growth for Cebu

As the Visayan capital and the main economic stronghold outside Luzon, Metro Cebu rapidly became urbanized and dense with more office and commercial buildings. Environmentalists in the region pinpoint this economic boom as one of the main factors in the disruption of the province’s biodiversity.


According to a sustainability report by Barone International, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by diverting 1,527,584 lbs. of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. As a testament to the tower’s unique energy efficiency, its energy savings is 23% lower than that of a non-green building.

Smart use of water resources is being implemented in the building by reducing potable water utilization for toilets, urinals, and shower that helps natural conservation of resources, reduces costs, and improve the building’s efficiency. Proper collection of recyclables and waste management has also been considered to ensure severe impacts to landfills.

“There is no long-term future without sustainability,” JDC’s Brand Manager Ayla Gomez reiterated. “In a fast-growing city like Cebu, sustainability should really be at the forefront of every developer. We are at a unique time and place where health, safety and wellness continue to prove that these are important factors to be able to keep progressing and ensure growth.”

JEG Tower goes above and beyond sustainability standards as it ensures ozone protection by using a Hydroflourocarbon (HFC) R-410A which has zero Ozone-depletion potential in the refrigerant used for the building. It also implemented an erosion and sedimentation control plan during construction. It also has pocket green spaces and a pioneering green roof that provides restoration of habitats that will support local flora and fauna.

“Anything we can power through a sustainable source is a great benefit for a building, beyond energy consumption, this further emphasizes the efficiency of our energy model and ultimately helps us lower carbon footprint,” Gomez said.

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Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines

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

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

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

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

  • Promoting cost efficiency and environmental conservation

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

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

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

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

  • Developing better buildings for better tenants

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

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

RELATED:Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

  • Pushing for health and wellness

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

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

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

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