Posted on

How Your Office Space Impacts Employee Well-Being

Office and design trends change and adapt over time. However, one constant feature of a workplace is its impact on the health and well-being of employees. As people spend almost a third of their lifetime inside office spaces, people begin to realize and put greater value in choosing a space that puts their wellness on top. 
 
Numerous research has successfully linked space to the health of its occupants. The American Psychological Association (APA) reported in a journal that a healthy workplace should include five components: work-life balance, health and safety, employee growth and development, employee recognition, and employee involvement.  

Moreover, many studies have also proved that workplace design significantly influences employees’ health, motivation, and performance. In one survey, 93% of the respondents said that they would stay longer at a company that offers healthier workspaces and benefits.  
 
 
From employee attraction to retention and productivity improvement, your office space impacts your business. Here are some ways your workplace affects your employees’ health: 
 
Mental Health 
A healthy workplace can help employees manage stress and relieve anxiety. According to commercial interior designers, certain aspects of the office can contribute to increasing motivation, boosting morale, and productivity. In an article, Gensler reported that biophilic and green features such as outdoor spaces and access to natural lighting can help reduce stress, anger, and anxiety. It can also lead to improved self-esteem and a better image of self in the long run. 

Physical Well-being 
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. 
 
Providing optimal indoor air quality is also a crucial task for workspaces, especially in the new normal. Aside from disease prevention, fresh and clean indoor air can also improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety to employees. 
 
Office spaces that also encourage movement and exercise can also improve the physical health of their occupants. 
 
LEED-certified Buildings for Holistic Health 
 
Workplaces located inside a LEED-certified building are linked to improved productivity, increased output, and better work performance. The same study also found that the indoor air quality of their work environment contributes to its employees’ fulfillment at work and overall mood during office hours.  
 
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 well-being 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 with 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. 
 
Bound by its commitment to uplift People, Planet, and Profit, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings are designed and built to promote the overall health and well-being of its occupants while leaving the least negative impacts to the environment. 

LEED-certified buildings such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia have observed the highest set of standards to ensure the overall comfort and safety of its occupants. JEG Tower is designed and built to promote their physical and mental health.  
 
As the highest-scoring LEED commercial development in Cebu City, this 22-storey tower ensures that the workplace design does not compromise the safety, security, and functionality of the space. Instead, it adds value to the often-overlooked aspect of design, which is to promote holistic wellness to its occupants. 
 
 
Want to learn more about JEG Tower @ One Acacia? Contact Alexa Abella at (+63) 917-825-6884. For inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

Posted on

Why Lease an Office Space in Cebu City?

The Queen City of the South, Cebu is more than just a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. Its bustling economy, supported by local business policies, big-ticket infrastructure projects, and rich real estate portfolio, Metro Cebu is now one of the most attractive investment locations in the country.\

Here are some of the reasons why you should lease an office space in Cebu City: 
 
PREMIUM COMMERCIAL SPACES 

Cebu City boasts of a huge portfolio of office and retail buildings that offer premium and tech-capable spaces to aid in the expansion of businesses in the Visayan region. Many developments are also designed and built to support and accommodate the needs of its occupiers, including IT-BPO locators. Over the past few years, the BPO industry became one of the drivers of the province’s economy and business landscape. 

 
According to KMC Savills data, Cebu City’s office market continued to show improvement during the last quarter of 2021. The net office take-up of almost 16,000 sq m. It also added that with total completions of 65,300 sq m of new Grade A office space in Metro Cebu, vacancies will climb up to 24.9%, prompting additional options for companies locating to the economic center of Visayas. 
 
 
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY 
 
As one of the top tourist destinations and jewels of the Philippines, real estate developments in Cebu City put more premium in the protection and preservation of the environment. Because of this, more spaces are shifting to green and more sustainable design and construction methods that also benefit employees to occupy the building. 
 
RELATED: Why Green Buildings are Office-Rebound Ready 

 
 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS 
 
The Cebu City local government is very supportive of its business community. With the economy in mind, local policies in Metro Cebu enable local and multinational companies and investors to set up their business in the economic center of Visayas.  
 

Cities and municipalities within the province prioritize the strengthening of measures and ordinances to support the growing local business sector. The local administration also adopts necessary changes and adjustments to promote the province as the next key location in the Visayas region. Government officials take pride in sustaining the standards in business policymaking and investment promotions in Cebu. Similar initiatives will encourage more business locators to invest and occupy more office spaces and commercial buildings in other areas within the province. 

 
UP AND COMING LABOR POOL 

One of the main benefits of locating your business in Cebu City is its young and lively workforce. Cebu City is home to some of the best universities in the country, including the University of the Philippines Cebu and University of San Carlos that produce graduates exceptional in various fields and industries. 
 
Additionally, Cebu is well-known for its English-speaking population which can be an additional benefit for multinational companies and BPOs to operate and expand to the province.  

 
EXPANSION OUTSIDE METRO MANILA 

KMC also cited that many multinational companies under the healthcare services, legal services, professional travel management, financial services, IT services, software development, and animation industries are some of the top locators that are looking to expand their business footprint and operations in Cebu City. 
 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia is one of the newest premium green buildings in Cebu City. Named as the Best Commercial Green Development by PropertyGuru in 2020, this LEED Gold-certified development is truly the best place to work in Cebu. 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT JEG TOWER: Checklist for the Best Business Address in Cebu City 
 

Interested in expanding to the Visayas? Locate in the best place to work in Cebu City. Get in touch with Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com for more details.   
 

Posted on

Economic Benefits of Energy Efficiency

 
Energy efficiency and renewable energy provide significant benefits to the economy. More than reduced utility costs, the shift to more sustainable energy options can lead to macroeconomic impacts that can boost economic activity and drive employment for businesses. 

In a report published by the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency improvements can deliver benefits across the whole economy, with direct and indirect impacts on economic activity that can be measured by a country’s gross domestic product, employment rate, trade balances, and energy prices. 
 
According to a publication released by the World Bank, energy efficiency directly contributes to some prevailing development challenges in its twin goals of poverty reduction and shared prosperity. In a report published in 2016, it noted that improved energy efficiency in various industries can modernize technology and increase competitiveness without compromising the environment. As economies develop and more infrastructure rises, the demand for energy services will continue to increase. Investing in renewable energy will also provide the same requirements for this development, but with less negative impacts to the planet. 
 
Moreover, the World bank also emphasized that cleaner sources of energy can lead to freed up fiscal resources can then be used for socio-economic development and for programs. Energy efficiency mitigates the impact of ongoing tariff reforms, which adversely affect poorer households. 
 
Instead of importing natural gas and electricity supply, renewable energy generated can benefit domestic and local companies and retailers to provide energy management services. Local governments can contribute to economic growth by generating energy on-site, purchasing green power. The combination of renewable energy options can help meet local government goals especially in areas where the availability and quality of renewable resources vary. 
As a ‘mostly untapped resource’, the World Bank also noted that substantial gains remain available through the adoption of cost-effective measures, global best practices, and available technologies. This can be applied specifically to the commercial real estate sector, which represents over 40 percent of the global energy demand. 
 
Larger Impacts of Reduced Utility Bills 
Lesser utility bills can benefit companies more than overhead savings. Sustainable commercial developments offer this advantage to businesses, leading to a greater return on investment, more funds to allocate for development, and providing better options to its employees. 
 
READ MORE: How can solar power reduce building costs? 
 
 
Increasing Property Value 
In the commercial real estate market, energy-efficient developments frequently sell for a higher price than regular buildings with comparable features. Energy efficiency features and measures add value to your property.  
 
According to the International Energy Agency, solar power is turning into the cheapest source of new electricity generation capacity in many countries, especially in Asia. It is also endorsed by frontrunners of sustainability and green real estate for the benefits it offers environmentally and financially. According to a study conducted in 2018, the Philippines ranked first among other developing countries in the continent in terms of the use of solar photovoltaic systems for electricity generation. It has topped Asia and ranked 5th in the world for the use of solar energy across various sectors and industries.  
RELATED: Capitalizing on Solar Energy: PH tops Asia, ranks 5th worldwide in solar energy use 
 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the first commercial development in Cebu City to utilize solar energy to power its shared spaces. Committed to sustainability, this 22-storey premium green building is designed and constructed to promote and practice holistic benefits to businesses, the community, and the planet. 
 
Interested in knowing more about the impact of energy efficiency on your business? Contact Alexa Abella at (+63) 917-825-6884 or email jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 
Posted on

Why Green Buildings are Office-Rebound Ready

Why Green Buildings are Office-Rebound Read-JEG-2

 
As the majority begin to adapt to the new normal, many companies and organizations are starting to encourage employees to go back to the traditional work setup. One of the most crucial concerns of employees when returning to the office is their safety and health protection as COVID-19 is still present. 
 
Employees have become more aware of the importance of shared spaces and have become more conscious of their well-being while in the office. Lessons from the pandemic and previous lockdowns reinforce the distinct value of green buildings, especially commercial buildings.  

READ MORE: How do green buildings keep off COVID-19?

 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia is Cebu City’s newly launched premium green building. Designed by Casas+ Architects, it is pegged to be the best place to work in the heart of the Visayan capital. 
 
“We have always planned to build a safer, healthier workplace for the Cebuanos, even before the pandemic. Moreso, our decision to go green was only validated by what happened during the last two years,” Marko Sarmiento, Chief Operating Officer of JEG Development Corp. said. 
 
In 2020, the 22-storey premium green building was named Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines by the PropertyGuru Property Awards. It has also achieved LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council for its sustainable features including solar panels, DOAS elevators, floor to ceiling windows, water recycling facilities, and rooftop garden. 

RELATED: Sustainable Real Estate – Why You Should Work in a Green Building? 
 
”With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features, such as the use of natural daylight, optimal indoor air quality, and the roof deck garden, that all together provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs,” he added. 

Asian office workers wearing face masks working in new normal office and doing social distancing during corona virus covid-19 pandemic

Office Rebound-ready 
 
The last two years highlighted that going green is no longer aspirational, especially for buildings and shared spaces. Return to office plans should include providing a safer and healthier workplace to assure employees that they are protected and taken care of. 
 
“We’re helping companies ease employees back to the office by making sure common areas are adequately sanitized and that the building has optimal indoor air quality, among others,” Sarmiento said. 
 
With sustainable design and innovative technology, JEG Tower @ One Acacia offers commercial spaces that underscore the health and protection of its tenants. Focusing to pivot to the evolving needs of the workplace in the post-lockdown business landscape, JDC believes that intelligent utilization of technology mixed with people-centric spaces is the way to go forward post-pandemic. 

Interested to know more about this rising icon of sustainability? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 to schedule a viewing today!   

Posted on

JEG Development Corporation Launches JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the First Premium Green and Future Ready Building in Cebu City

CEBU CITY, Philippines, April 21, 2022 – Cebu-based real estate developer JEG Development Corporation (JDC) has finally launched JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the pioneer green, LEED Gold certified 22-storey office and retail high-rise development in Cebu City. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first venture into high-rise buildings. 

JDC has always envisioned JEG Tower @ One Acacia to be a frontrunner in redefining the property industry in the Philippines by uplifting the lives and communities of Cebuanos, with a heightened priority on sustainability, holistic health, and employee well-being. 

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is characterized by its energy-efficient features, reduced water usage, and efficient waste management. It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant,” said Marko Sarmiento, JDC’s Chief Operating Officer. 

Beyond showcasing a seamless fusion of sustainability and sophistication, JEG Tower @ One Acacia ultimately aims to revolutionize work-life balance, putting a premium on the welfare of tenants, employees, and the people of Cebu. 

As businesses are more open to going back to the office, JDC has focused on addressing the evolving needs of the workplace, especially in the post-lockdown work landscape where hybrid work arrangements are considered the “new normal.”  

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is committed to providing the best workplace that addresses the physiological, mental, and social needs of its employees and occupants. We continuously invest in the quality of the work environment, as well as the health and well-being of our tenants, in a bid to help our tenants achieve increased productivity,” said Sarmiento. 

With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features, such as the use of natural daylight, optimal indoor air quality, and the roof deck garden, that all together provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs.  

JEG Tower @ One Acacia features a green roof that can help reduce stress and encourage socialization, positively impacting the wellness of employees. These spaces will allow for relaxing midday breaks and can be a venue for wellness activities or social gatherings. 

The roof deck’s endemic 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 moods. 

JEG TOWER

“We’ve integrated intelligent technology into the building, utilizing thermal scanners, and automatic sliding doors have been installed in the main entrance. In place of manual contact tracing efforts, employees will use the free-standing scanners by the main entry point, while guests must get their temperature through a tabletop scanner available in the reception area,” explained Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager. 

Understanding the risk of infection in common areas, JEG Tower @ One Acacia added anti-bacterial fixtures and above standards filtration to minimize risks. MERV filtration has been installed to complement its energy-efficient heat, ventilation, and air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality and sanitation.  

“Another unique sustainability feature that makes JEG Tower @ Acacia stand out is its Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators. DOAS elevators are developed to ensure strategic and safe movement within the vertical development, with innovative technology designed to utilize less energy consumption,” Sarmiento asserted.  

With these eco-friendly features, JEG Tower @ Acacia earned a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council in 2021. The development was awarded 68 points, making it the highest-scoring LEED for Core and Shell project in Cebu.  

Moreover, JEG Tower @ One Acacia also celebrates its Cebuano roots by showcasing the skills and expertise of homegrown businesses and industries–turning the space into a portfolio of Cebuano talents and heritage. 

“We aim to support local players in the industry, which is why we have collaborated with local suppliers, consultants, and vendors in completing construction,” said Gomez. 

“With this new development, we want to inspire other developers here in Cebu City to take the first steps in offering green, high-quality, and future-proof spaces that make people feel valued and protected,” added Sarmiento. 

Posted on

How does JEG Tower @ One Acacia contribute to water conservation

Amid the celebration for World Water Day, several buildings are moving toward the development of greener and more sustainable buildings. In the Philippines, the shift to these kinds of premium real estate have proven to be more advantageous especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual return to office. 

Beyond mere structures, sustainable architecture now taps into minimizing the negative impact of buildings on the economy and environment. According to reports, this is accomplished through efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, water, development space, and ecosystem as whole. 

This is the vision heralded in the recently completed JEG Tower @ One Acacia in Cebu. Apart from being at the forefront of renewable energy through solar panel installation, water efficiency and conservation is at the heart of the premium, award-winning green development. 

The LEED Gold-certified tower has a rainwater collection system that increases the efficiency of water use in the building. In the data provided by the Innovative Water Solutions, rainwater system in buildings also reduce utilities costs and allocate treated water for more important use. It can also serve as a great backup water supply in emergency situations. 

US Green Technology also reported that it is easy to maintain, can help with rainwater roof runoff and reduces groundwater contamination. It also has its many uses including being a source of irrigation for pocket gardens and other flora & fauna in the green building. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is one of the few buildings in the Philippines that transformed their topmost floor into a green roof that provides ample spaces to unwind or get a breath of fresh air.  

Other utilization for the rainwater collection system is to use it in the common bathrooms. JEG Tower uses recycled water in flushing toilets to lessen costs further as it is considered one of the top users of water in any building or the average household.  

As water security in the Philippines become a more vital issue, real estate is one of the sectors that are eyed to be at the forefront of the sustainability shift. Workplaces become more ideal if they promote environmental conservation, feature top-grade amenities, and green features that offer healthier spaces to locators and tenants.  

Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Alexa Abella at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 
 

Posted on

The Ideal Millennial Workplace

The-Ideal-Millennial-Workplace

In 2022, nearly half of the global labor force will be Millennials, or those born between 1981 to 1996. In the Philippines alone, 41.1% of more than 66 million workers were identified as part of the millennial generation.

As the millennials start to dominate the landscape, businesses should also adapt their workplace to a space that suits their distinct personality and preferences. Many studies found that more than salary or climbing the corporate ladder, these young workers put higher regard to their work environment and company culture. Office spaces in Cebu City are also modifying the workplace to accommodate this younger batch of potential employees. 
 
Here are five workplace design principles that will help you attract and retain a Millennial workforce: 

Work Flexibility 

Especially in the new normal, millennials enjoy the flexibility that allows better work-life balance and integration. Companies that offer flexible work arrangements are more likely to attract and retain this labor demographic as millennials feel that they should be able to work anytime, from anywhere. 
 
Collaborative Design 

In a study, 51% of millennials prefer to work in groups in person. Despite a hybrid work setup, many still want to work in an office to socialize and collaborate with their workmates.  
 
Workplace Well-being 

Compared to the previous generations, millennials put a higher premium on their health and wellness, even in the office. Companies that are also prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of their employees are also more ideal and would be more likely to retain millennials.  
 
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.

RELATED: What is a ‘Healthy Workplace’? 

Top-grade Smart Technology 

More than being a ‘tech-savvy’ generation, smart and contactless technology in the office is an important consideration for millennials going to the office in the new normal. Smart offices are workspaces that utilize automated processes to enhance building operations, from ventilation, lighting, and security. All of these will be the standard in eliminating and reducing risks after the recent pandemic and other health threats. 

Sustainability 

A study in 2021 found that Millennials and Generation Z are more sustainability orientated, even if it is about work and employment. Healthy workspaces such as those that follow a biophilic design or offices located in LEED-certified buildings are also more appealing to millennials since these developments were designed and constructed through sustainable methods. 
 
RELATED: Future-proofing your Office with Sustainability 

Premium green buildings and LEED-certified developments in the Philippines are the ideal office for millennials. In Cebu City, JEG Tower @ One Acacia stands out as one of the most ideal workplaces for its top-grade amenities and sustainable features. Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, the 22-storey office tower offer healthy spaces to tenants and occupiers.  
 
Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. 
 

Posted on

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. 

Posted on

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. 

Posted on

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.