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

As the term “sustainability” became a more encompassing concept across different industries, more businesses are shifting and adapting to principles to achieve and practice it. According to the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, businesses and organizations that follow these principles and approaches create long-term value by embracing opportunities and managing risks derived from changes in economic, environmental, and social factors.

What is Sustainability in Real Estate Developments?

Sustainable or “green” developments are buildings and establishments that were designed and constructed to uplift the conservation and protection of the environment, hand in hand with the promotion of health and well-being in any commercial or residential property.

According to the World Green Building Council, a structure is considered ‘green’ when its design, construction, and operation reduce or eliminate negative impacts and in turn create positive effects to the environment and to the wellness of its occupants and the community. This organization has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification, that aims to be a benchmark for sustainability and eco-friendliness. LEED Certification points are awarded to projects based on numerous sustainability factors and categories, which are used to get a composite score for the project.

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

A study by the Asian Development Bank has found that there is an uptrend of ‘green and sustainable’ businesses in the region as more recognize the ‘serious threats to human health, environmental quality, and natural resources from the pursuit of economic growth.’

In the Philippines, a shift towards sustainability was even more emphasized as the country battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as the lack of healthy public spaces were placed under the spotlight as modifications are being refined to transition to a new and better normal.

Benefits of Going Green

Green buildings offer more benefits to businesses in terms of economical or financial, environmental, and social aspects.

Green buildings provide economic advantages to businesses through lower construction costs, higher property value, greater utility savings, and lower operating costs for its tenants and occupants. Sustainable developments utilize locally available raw materials and resources that reduce transportation and logistical costs for construction materials. Moreover, green buildings are proven to reduce energy consumption by 23% and ensure efficient electricity and water usage throughout the whole building. 

Sustainable developments and LEED-certified buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia becomes the new standard for office and commercial properties in the Philippines. This 22-storey building was recognized by the PropertyGuru Property Awards and named it the Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines.

READ MORE: JEG Tower @ One Acacia wins Best Commercial Green Development

Designed and constructed to be a safe environment and a premium space for Cebuanos even before the pandemic, JEG Tower offers the perfect new normal workplace in the Visayan capital.

In the new normal community and building-based prevention and control measures have become one of the most important methods of fighting against the epidemic. As cities start to reopen their economies and people return to work, green buildings have become a standard for many companies and businesses. A building’s green features became a leverage for commercial developments for the benefits it extends for the health of its tenants and for the prevention of future disease outbreaks.

Want to learn more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability in the Philippines? Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63)-917-825 6884. For listing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

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How JEG Tower ensures workplace safety

In the Philippines, the eventual return to the physical offices seems inevitable as businesses and companies move to recover and help restart economic activities. With the re-entry in mind, more developments are focusing on sustainability and pandemic-proofing their workplaces to guarantee the protection of public health and wellness.

JEG Development Corporation (JDC) is one of the green developers that has envisioned, prioritized, and built spaces that have its occupants’ needs and comfort in mind. JEG Tower @ One Acacia has state-of-the-art green features, earning them a LEED pre-certified Silver accreditation, and a nomination for Best Office Development in the 8th Property Guru Asia Property Awards.

RELATED: JEG Development Corporation Underscores Sustainability as Key to Cebu’s Economic Recovery

One of its main features focuses on improving office mobility and decongesting key common areas in the building. Through technology, JEG Tower is equipped with Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators to ensure strategic and safe movement within the building. These elevators are integrated with the installed turnstiles that allow for a unique lift assignment, making it easier to contact trace and assures a less crowded lobby.

RELATED: Pushing Sustainable Offices: Leveraging smart technology for safety, productivity

This also adds 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.

Study shows that DOAS technology is a good control system to conduct crowd control or group movements. Destination-controlled elevators have better overall handling capacity that can transport more people effectively, and passenger transfer times are also made faster with a set delivery route.

Transitioning to Safer Workplaces

The green recovery has posed many benefits or advantages, especially in the post-lockdown business landscape. Data shows that it is a consensus among organizations that remote working is only a temporary solution. Recalibration in safe office builds and design needs to settle on a sustainable new normal that allows for a hybrid workforce and distributed workplace.

In line with the shift to sustainable adjustments and habits, experts believe that urban mobility is also expected to improve especially in highly-dense metropolitans. Like JEG Tower @ One Acacia, similar properties should be accommodating for alternative modes of transportation as people look for a more green or efficient way to move around.

RELATED: Why Sustainable Transportation Matters For A Greener Philippines

With inclusivity and resiliency, going for greener workplaces can jumpstart the opportunity to regenerate more resilient, environmentally sustainable cities. This will encourage more stakeholders and developers to build back better and greener globally.

Let us discuss your green workplace re-entry. Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or send an email to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com.

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JEG Development Corporation Underscores Sustainability as Key to Cebu’s Economic Recovery

Months after the threat of being the country’s COVID-19 epicenter in June, Cebu City is now gradually resuming to its normal operations following the period of being under the strictest quarantine measures.

With the city government allowing the return in operations of over 1,300 traditional jeepneys last November 3 and the Department of Health announcing that Cebu City is showing signs of herd immunity the day after, the Queen City of the South is well on its way to restart the economy.

Despite the temporary pause brought about by the pandemic, local real estate developer JEG Development Corporation (JDC) is committed to drive the historic city to new heights and to realize a more progressive and resilient future.

What started as a holding company founded by the late Jose E. Garcia in 1994, JDC has evolved into a real estate company 10 years after and is now led by Garcia’s grandson, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Marko Sarmiento.

Under Sarmiento’s leadership, the company began developing strip malls and residential projects and is now set to unveil a state-of-the-art green building with the launch of JEG Tower early next year.

“JDC’s main thrust has always been to enrich the lives of the communities where our properties are built. 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,” said Sarmiento. 

Reinventing the workplace

The threat of the virus has permanently skewed how businesses are done, and this includes the workplace.

For JDC’s Brand Manager, Ayla Gomez, as businesses slowly transition back to normal operations, it is the perfect time to rethink old ways and to shift mindsets to consider things that may not have been prioritized as much before.

“Even before the pandemic, we have always envisioned JEG Tower to be the game changer that challenges the perspective of businesses when it comes to the workplace. We want to encourage them to put a high priority to providing a healthier workplace, because we see the greater impact on our overall wellbeing and the world we live in,” Gomez said.

JDC Estate Manager Stefan Garcia also added that through JEG Tower, JDC is driven to develop the healthiest workplace in the city.

“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.

“JEG Tower is built using green techniques, with management plans for soil erosion, waste management, and air quality. A less polluted environment ensures better health, especially lung health, which proved to be a key factor for people during this pandemic,” he reiterated.  

Extending their assistance to Visayas

JDC’s efforts to help Cebu get back on its feet after the lockdown was not limited to its properties. Through their affiliate foundations like Vivant Foundation, Inc., the family behind JDC continuously contributes to the ongoing sustainable development of communities in Visayas. 

For instance, VFI’s Projects, Liadlaw and RELY, provide solar electrification for off-grid schools in Region VII, while simultaneously sponsoring a technical-vocational course in Electronic Installation and Maintenance with Solar to ensure the maintenance of the solar electrification systems and future livelihoods for students in the region.

The future of real estate in Visayas

With the launch of JEG Tower set to happen imminently JDC is all geared up to push the envelope and redefine the future of the property industry not just in Cebu, but the whole country.

JDC’s deep regard for the welfare of its tenants, their employees, and the communities they are in has gained the attention of many including the Property Awards Asia, where JEG Tower was nominated as The Best Office Development, making them one of the very few Visayas-based properties that managed to get shortlisted.

To know more about JDC, JEG Tower and it’s other properties, head over to https://jegdevelopment.com.  

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Corporate Wellness 101: Why shift focus on health and well-being

With the several concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are looking for sustainable and resilient solutions to better protect and equip their workforce physically and mentally. The shift to wellness is becoming one of the priorities as more businesses regroup and map out their workplace re-entry strategies.

Beyond a pandemic-proof workplace, public health and safety can be improved through a suitable corporate wellness program. This initiative offers many advantages beyond employee engagement and a sense of community.

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.

Similarly, in the Philippines, companies such as JEG Development Corporation has been offering a wellness program to encourage a more active lifestyle and support sustainable transportation in Cebu. Through an allocated fund, they have recently launched a well-received bike program for all their employees that allows them to purchase their bikes.

RELATED: Why Sustainable Transportation Matters For A Greener Philippines

Since its inception, more employees are going on bike runs together to keep them fit, and also as a form of responsible socialization. Individuals who already have bikes or are less inclined to do so can use the budget to buy vitamins to supplement their health.

More data shows that these programs can help improve overall business performance as it fosters a healthier workplace. In a report by Entrepreneur, a healthy workforce can improve output due to lower stress levels and employee absences. Beyond productivity, enabling their interest to become more physically and emotionally fit will also reduce healthcare expenses for companies.

A more holistic approach is also encouraged by some experts. In the same report, the corporate wellness program can go beyond physical and emotional needs by addressing issues unique to one’s particular life. This can include financial aid, legal protection, or simply taking a more active role in the community which heavily appeals to the younger generation or the millennial workforce.

Recently, new fronts in healthcare and corporate wellness are being explored. With the help of technology, it is easier to access information and monitor fitness performance through certain apps and online platforms. Given the current pandemic, corporations can opt to avail of digital health care solutions in the workplace to create more awareness or mindfulness when it comes to physical or mental fitness.

RELATED: Pushing Sustainable Offices: Leveraging smart technology for safety, productivity

In a study conducted in the US, it was observed that employees are much interested in utilizing technology or digital systems that can help them personally monitor weight loss, provide health risk assessments, and other relevant biometric screenings.

With the drawbacks triggered by the pandemic, the shift in business priorities is a long time coming. Investing in the health and wellness of the workforce will deliver long-term returns and benefits not only for the individual but for businesses as well.

Looking to move into a healthier workplace? Contact Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443 or send an email to mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Why Sustainable Transportation Matters For A Greener Philippines

A more sustainable future is being pursued in most urban areas and metropolitans in the Philippines. Beyond real estate, the push for green extends to how people move around and touches on alternatives that are eco-friendlier and more resilient.

Sustainable transportation takes into consideration the effects of mode of travel on the environment and climate. One of its many benefits is in the improvement of air quality in these cities as fewer vehicles travel, effectively reducing pollution. This also decreases greenhouse gases emission and makes major thoroughfares less congested for easier mobility.

There are also wellness and health benefits for individuals who adopt the lifestyle of biking or cycling, carpooling, and the use of electric scooters to get to places. It is known to improve cardiovascular performance and help in stress reduction especially with the mental strain brought about by the pandemic.

Through the utilization of sustainable transport, noise pollution is also dramatically reduced. According to a study, loud sounds are known to increase stress hormone levels. The longer that these hormones remain in the bloodstream, the higher the risk of acquiring physiological diseases.

It is also more cost-efficient as you can save on fares, gas, or car maintenance expenses. Experts claim that the adoption of sustainable transport alternatives can create more job opportunities for people working in construction, design, technology, and manufacturing.  

The Future of Micro-mobilities and Wellness

The Asia Pacific region is yet to further explore the potential of micro-mobilities sharing such as electric scooters. According to MIT, this is due to the lack of infrastructure and cost that can allow it to prosper such as charging stations or designated parking spaces.

However, more LEED buildings are supportive of the shift to sustainable transportation. Cycling or biking becomes the go-to focal point as a study shows that it also plays a positive role in paving the way for the development of environmentally sustainable cities. After all, bikes have small road space allocation and a relatively low energy requirement in production and maintenance.

Similarly, developments in the country such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia is doing their part in the global zero-emission movement to reduce carbon footprint. The LEED pre-certified Silver building has allocated a space for bike racks to entice more occupants to join in on the green initiative.

Moreover, as part of JEG Development Corporation’s wellness program, employees are encouraged to own a bike through the budget assigned and use it for transport. It has also become an effective social activity that is advantageous for the physical and mental fitness of the team.

In the post-lockdown landscape, mobility proves to be a crucial point of consideration in the road to a more sustainable future. Improving resilience and transitioning to a low-emissions setting through a green recovery will reduce the risk of pandemic vulnerability and can have the potential to boost economic activity.

Gearing towards a more sustainable workplace? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or send an email to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Pandemic-Proof Workplace: How LEED buildings stand out

Sustainable real estate is now taking the spotlight, especially in the post-lockdown landscape. Apart from the increasing concern towards Climate Change, pandemic proofing the workplace in green buildings has proven to become easier.

In the Philippines, demand for premium spaces that put its occupants’ wellness and safety. According to the Singapore Green Building Council, the technologies employed by green buildings can help the world prepare for a future when pandemics are more common. Green accreditation can be acquired for certain developments such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia by complying with the standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED).

Aside from its significant mindfulness of how buildings are built, energy- and water-efficient buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art filtration features that are more likely to reduce respiratory infections and other cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) also acknowledged the shift in priority when it comes to places where people congregate or spend time in as it can save lives, lower threats to the health condition of a community, and improve quality of life.  

How to pandemic-proof the office

Looking at office space options in Cebu? Contact Mike Glindro at (+63) 917-825-6884 or email to mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com.

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

Globally, several stringent measures are being taken against the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that a “return to normalcy” will happen sooner than projected. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease said that it is possible to experience the “new normal” within the year but the transition to making people feel safe to move around should start early on.  

While many have successes in working remotely, the thought of returning to the office post-lockdown can still trigger pandemic fears and risks. The wellness and safety of the people should be treated as equally important to the economic health of a business by applying stronger employee health measures beyond temperature checks, deep cleaning, or sanitation areas. 

Experts believe that the transition period can be seen as an opportunity to address pre-existing challenges. Rethinking the ways we approach the design and use of the workplace can be utilized to help prevent diseases and protect public health.  

Sanitary Redesign 

Real estate developments need to be more conscious of the materials that they build with given the sustainability shift. In a Forbes report, it is suggested that anti-microbial materials such as copper should be more utilized to be less hospitable to germs. It is also imperative to include key distancing-minded features in their design or pre-build plans. 

To significantly lower the risk of contamination, ventilation systems must be reconfigured to blow air from the ceiling instead of the floor up. It is also recommended that the six-feet distancing buffer is observed by color-coding the floors and ensuring that workstations are properly spaced. 

Productivity & Eco-friendly Design 

Given the concurrent public health crisis, the office must be recognized as an environment too and changes in relation to keeping it healthy and safe should be prioritized. The American Journal of Health believes that improved indoor air quality can impact employee disposition and reduce absenteeism which leads to better productivity. 

Employing a high-quality air filtration system can help in disease prevention such as allergies and asthma. Breathing in good air can also do wonders for mental health as research shows that it helps alleviate stress and depression. 

Other environmental considerations include better acoustics, more natural light, office ergonomics, and ample privacy.  

The Philippines is no stranger to the rise of green developments. Moving beyond the capital, Cebu is home to the sustainable estates such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia who got ahead and placed a premium in the overall sustainable design and build of the tower to better cater to its occupants’ wellbeing and the environment.  

JEG Tower achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) BD+C Core and Shell Silver pre-certification. This guarantees that the estate is optimized for disease prevention, promotes healthier indoor space that encourages movement and activity, lower use of energy, and better water conservation. Its fresh air system is also well-complemented by the installation of the MERV 13 filter than can capture anything as small as 0.3 to 1 micron.  

RELATED: JEG Tower Focus – Additional Safety Features for Disease Prevention 

Aiming to ensure further safety from viruses, it has pivoted successfully in employing adjustments to minimize the risk of contamination through contactless and technology-reliant measures by adding automatic doors, sensors, and scanning of QR codes upon entry.  

As the priorities shift to focus on reshaping spaces ahead of the new normal and protecting communities in the post-lockdown landscape, the demand for efficient properties will only continue to increase. The future of work will rest on spaces that can foster a clean and healthy environment.  

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What is a ‘Healthy Workplace’?

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

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

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

 Physical Work Environment 

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

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention 

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

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

 Psychosocial Work Environment  

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

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

Community Health and Wellbeing 

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

RELATED: The Importance of Public Health in Communities 

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

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Shift to Sustainability – Highlighting Green Real Estate in the Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED: Optimizing Buildings for Disease Prevention  

Buildings and public spaces play a huge role in disease prevention and control. From its design to operations, buildings contribute to the battle against the spread of viruses in workplaces and offices. While other commercial establishments will only start to adapt to these newer standards after the coronavirus outbreak, sustainable and green buildings that were already certified by programs such as LEED have long been uplifting the quality of the work environment and promoting the health and well-being of their tenants.  

Driven to push forward this initiative to become the new standard, JEG Development Corporation (JDC) has specifically partnered with Casas+Architects to design this 22-floor tower towards sustainability, using environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy-efficient as possible.  

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

RELATED: Defining Innovation in Real Estate  

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

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy community is a prepared community. The best way of preparing for potential outbreaks in the future is by ensuring that the health of the overall community. Envisioned as one of the most preferred work locations for Cebuanos, JEG Tower @ One Acacia will not only offer office spaces that will boost employee productivity but also provide a space where their health and well-being is the main priority.