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Green growth: Why is Sustainability crucial for Cebu City

Next to Metro Manila, Cebu City is the second most populated area in the Philippines. Being the Visayan capital and the main economic stronghold outside Luzon, Metro Cebu rapidly became urbanized and dense as numerous BPO and multinational companies locate in the city and opened opportunities for locals and residents moving in from neighboring islands and provinces.

As the city’s corporate community expands, more commercial establishments were built and developed, especially in Cebu City’s main business district. However, an in-depth report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an independent organization that stimulates the economic progress and world trade, found that in order for the city to  keep  up  with  its  ‘rapid  urban  sprawl’ , sustainable real estate should be pushed in the city to encourage continued economic development while minimizing either negative ‘environmental externalities or the unsustainable consumption of natural resources and environmental assets’.

Sustainability in real estate has long been a standing movement in the industry. As the world became more aware of the importance of promoting health, wellness, and preserving the environment, the call for green real estate was also amplified in the Philippines, especially in Cebu.

Why is there a need for a greener Cebu?

In the same report by OECD, Metro Cebu’s economic steady economic growth and commercial real estate expansion are causing a strain on the other aspects of the city’s development. As mentioned in the report, the growth of Metro Cebu’s urban population has emphasized other potential weak spots in the city including an integrated public transportation system that can contribute to traffic congestion and pollution.

Keeping up with international building and commercial standards, homegrown developer JEG Development Corporation (JDC) advocates green buildings and sustainable real estate to raise the quality of work and office spaces within Cebu City. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is an award-winning commercial development, recognized for its state-of-the-art technology in promoting sustainability and health while complimenting its sophisticated design.

Led by third-generation Cebuano leaders, JDC pursues a more sustainable path as part of their contribution to their family’s legacy and to the green growth of the province. Chief Operating Officer Marko Sarmiento, Brand Manager Ayla Gomez, and Estate and Business Development Manager Stefan Garcia agree that guided by their company values, JDC’s main thrust is to enrich the lives of the communities where their properties are built.

“Integrity guides everything we do, and we are mindful of our impact on the environment and to the future generations of Cebuanos,” Gomez explained.

“We are a young and dynamic player in Cebu’s real estate industry, we’re making our contribution by having a long-term view in developing liveable and sustainable communities,” Sarmiento expressed in a previous interview. “We may be a relatively new player in the industry, but our local roots are strong and deep, which is why we are committed to always uplift Cebu through our properties especially with the many adjustments because of the pandemic,” he added.

Premium Standard in Green Real Estate

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s flagship vertical project was the winner of the 2020 PropertyGuru Property Awards Philippines’ Best Green Commercial Development in the country. The 22-storey office and retail tower was also recognized by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) with a pre-certified Silver rating.

The tower uses green techniques and applies extensive plans for soil erosion, waste management, and air quality. Aiming to create a less polluted environment leads to better public health, which is very crucial in the post-pandemic era.

“By pivoting towards green development, Cebu would be a better place to live, work, and do business in, as this would reduce both pollution and illness by improving the air quality, waste management, and livability of our urban areas,” Garcia shared.

Discover why JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the best place to work in Cebu City. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 to schedule a viewing today!

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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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How much office space does your business need?

One of the first things you must decide on when leasing an office is how much space your business needs to occupy in order to successfully operationalize. Unfortunately, there is no single formula business owners can use to compute the exact floor area they need to lease.

Consider the following factors instead:

Number and Types of Employees
The size of your future office should depend on the number and types of employees your company has. Consider the space they need in order to function productively and efficiently.

Office Layout
From stuffy and uniformed cubicle styled office layouts, workplace designs are now varied from open floor plans to colorful hubs that aim to be trendy and more functional. Open or traditional, which one are you going for?

Future of your business
In a few years, your business may have outgrown the space you’re planning on leasing. However, you need to have some forethought and decide where will your company be in the near future.

Beyond Offices

Your considerations for the size of your office should not end in allotting space for desks and computers. You should also think about shared spaces like meeting rooms, conference areas, and other venue where your employees can take a break and socialize. Studies show that providing your employees with ample space to take a break from work and away from their workstations improve their overall productivity and work ethics.

Company Culture

Lastly, you should account your identity as a company when deciding on how much space should your office occupy. Your company culture may manifest in the way you and your employees do and finish work, how you organize and communicate, and at the same time influence the dynamics that will take place in your office floor.

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Defining Innovation in Real Estate

“The people of Cebu deserve so much more.”

This is the message that JEG Development Corp. (JDC)’s Chief Operating Officer, Marko Sarmiento wants to communicate when he and his family conceptualized JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu’s first green building to join the growing number of Metro Cebu’s skyline.

“We have always wanted to do things differently. We want to pursue projects that are not only innovative but relevant as well. Our latest project, the JEG Tower, is a testament to that,” Marko told in an interview with Sustar.

Leading towards a Greener Cebu

JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the city’s first green building, is the Garcia-Sarmiento clan’s pledge to a better Cebu. Driven to push forward this initiative to become the new standard, JDC specifically designed this 22-floor tower towards sustainability which made use of environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy efficient as possible.

“We’re building a high-end, LEED pre-certified Silver, sustainable office retail building which we’re taking as both a huge risk and opportunity to do something different than anyone else in the game,” Marko said.

The 1,700-square meter tower, which will fully operate by 2020, is the corporation’s first step leading towards a greener Cebu. While the green movement is in full motion in Metro Manila, it remains to be tapped in Metro Cebu.

“Green developments aren’t a standard yet in Cebu, but we want to take the initiative starting with this building,” Marko told the Freeman. “The green movement in the Real estate industry has so much potential, and I think the Cebuanos can benefit from it,” he said.

“I think we came in the right time,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager adds. “The trend now is towards building offices and residences is geared towards sustainability.”

JDC’s long-standing presence in Cebu molded the family corporation’s vision to give back to the Cebuanos through their business.

“Constructing a green building is much more expensive compared to normal ones,” Marko admits, “but we’re doing this not with the cost in mind.”

“If they are building something, we are doing it the best way possible,” Ayla added.

Work-Life Balance Revolutionized

Hosting additional Grade A office spaces along Archbishop Reyes near the Cebu Business Park, JEG Tower is fit to house BPO companies and corporate offices in the South. The sustainable design of the building does not only benefit the environment but also takes care of the overall well-being of its occupiers.

Contributing not only to the productivity, but also the health and wellness of its tenants, JEG Tower @ One Acacia provides a lot of green spaces, bike racks, and shower rooms for them to use to their advantage. Its key location also prompts occupants of the building to have their dose of exercise needed by walking to work or to take some time off work and visit neighboring leisure establishments. The design also enhances interior space for maximum views and natural lighting to reduce energy costs.

“We’re going to locate our head office at JEG Tower too,” Marko shares, “We will also experience what our tenants will experience.”

By providing a working environment that improves the productivity and well-being of people, JDC continues to transform itself into a relevant and socially responsible real estate firm.

“It isn’t always about the bottom line but more about the greater good,” added Marko. “We just hope more developers do it. It would benefit the whole industry.”