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

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

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

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

Plantable Pencils

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

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

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

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

Plastic Ban

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

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

Plant. Plant, Plant Program

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

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

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

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

#ChallengeForChange

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

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

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

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

JEG Tower @ One Acacia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.”