LEED Archives - Page 3 of 5 - JEG Tower @ One Acacia Cebu, Philippines

August 4, 2021August 4, 2021

Future-Proof Workspaces: Office Must-Haves in the New Normal

As the world continues to battle the global health crisis, people realize the importance of safer and healthier spaces. While most businesses implement a more flexible working arrangement and offer remote work options, companies can take notes and prepare for the reopening of the economy in the post-pandemic era.

Health experts and workplace strategists agree that office will no longer be the same in the new normal. And while it might look like a momentous change, property owners and developers can take advantage of the opportunity to design better and safer workspaces for their employees.

Better, safer, and healthier safe spaces require a few “must-haves” to ensure the overall well-being of its occupants.

Future-proof Workplace

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

Structural and technological upgrades help boost confidence and peace of mind, enforce protocols, and track activity for tenants to feel safer and be inspired at work.

Smart Technology and Automation

According to an article in June, many Filipino employees still look forward to returning to the office once their safety and health are guaranteed to be protected in the workplace. Research also shows that employees feel safer when common touchpoints are lessened or eliminated.

Smart offices are workspaces that utilize automated processes to enhance building operations, from air conditioning and heating, lighting, and security. All of these conveniences will start to be the standard in eliminating and reducing risks after the recent pandemic and other health threats.

Going contactless or touchless is one of the key features to consider for the smart office. Sensors, access cards, or recognition software can be utilized in the entry to and exit from the premises and its amenities. This will help reduce the risks of contamination and transmission in these spaces.

Office and commercial buildings that utilize top-grade amenities, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, protect its tenants by going limiting contact points in the workspace and shared areas. Tenants and visitors can enter through automatic sliding doors where they can scan QR codes for a hassle-free registration. In common area bathrooms, automatic faucets and flushing will be installed to make it hands-free or remove unnecessary surface contact.

Hospital-grade Environment

Diseases and viruses spread fast inside enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like the office. In the longer term, many experts say that ensuring office spaces provide a ‘hospital-grade’ environment is more ideal for building owners and landlords.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia, utilize the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV filters that can capture particles in the air from 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). Higher value in MERV ratings leads to better filtration, fewer dust particles, and other airborne contaminants. It promotes a healthy breathing environment, and it will not allow the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi. Some MERV filters can even filter pollen, dust, and microscopic droplets in the air to a certain extent.

Premium-grade office developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, are pivoting their office re-entry strategies and offering safer and healthier spaces for businesses and tenants. This 22-storey green commercial development in Metro Cebu uplifts the health and wellness of its tenants.

Want to learn more about JEG Tower @ One Acacia? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez 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.

July 27, 2021July 27, 2021

How the office environment affects employees’ mental health

Before the pandemic, an average office worker spends 40 or 50 hours per week inside the workplace. As businesses prep for the new normal and business re-entry post-lockdown, commercial landlords and property owners begin to realize how the office space impacts and affects the overall well-being and safety of their employees.

The new normal presents an opportunity to provide a better work environment for employees and uplift their mental well-being. While most local and international guidelines and protocols focus on the safety of employees and reducing any potential exposure to the virus, it is also essential to consider how returning to the office will impact workers’ mental health. Many studies show that office spaces impact the mental health and cognitive function of employees, especially as they face more stress and anxiety while working. According to research, employees inside a confined space for long periods of time can suffer from mental burnout, demotivation, and added stress.

In a report by Entrepreneur, a healthy workforce can improve output due to lower stress levels and employee absences. A more holistic approach is also encouraged by some experts. In the same report, the corporate wellness program can go beyond physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. Mental health is an aspect that is most often overlooked by employees and employers alike when

Managing Stress and Anxiety

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.

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.

Experts suggest that providing areas when employees can take a break, relax, and socialize is a simple step in helping them cope with the workload better and reduce the feeling of burnout while in the workplace. In the post-pandemic timeline, companies should be careful in providing common and social spaces while still strictly implementing physical and social distancing measures to protect employees from contracting the virus.

Better Brain Function

Studies prove that the brain’s cognitive performance is affected by the environment it is in. Workplace strategists and design experts suggest that offering a multi-sensory design in the office can improve the employees’ mental health and boost their cognitive function. Stimulating people’s senses of sight, touch, smell, and hearing can lead to a better performance at work in a less stressful and overwhelming environment.

One research found that occupants of a healthy workplace scored higher in cognitive tests, slept better, and reported fewer health symptoms. Green features such as access to natural light, green walls, and optimal indoor air quality are also proven to significantly impact the employees’ thinking abilities, capabilities to focus, and retain information. Moreover, they are more productive and inspired to complete tasks at hand.

Premium Green Buildings for Mental Health

Premium green buildings and commercial developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, ensure 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.

By providing safe spaces where tenants can relax, socialize, and reflect, JEG Tower @ One Acacia lives up to its vision of advocating for the overall well-being of its occupants while in the office. A healthy workplace should go beyond physical modifications and provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs. Backed by JEG Development Corporation’s vision of revolutionizing work-life balance in Cebu City, JEG Tower promotes the importance of mental health and stress management in the office and offers realistic measures on how to address it.

June 30, 2021July 5, 2021

Wellness Ratings & The Office: Why it Matters

The global health crisis has undoubtedly highlighted the need for ‘healthier’ and safer buildings and public spaces. Now more than ever, people need a safer and healthier workplace. The ‘new normal’ presents an opportunity for companies to reevaluate the priorities for their employees and tenants and pivot towards a more sustainable approach in commercial real estate in the Philippines.

Driven by the growing consciousness and awareness of the public to the importance of such spaces, there is also an increasing appetite from investors and owners for buildings to implement more holistic measures which improve the spaces they offer to the public.

What is a Building ‘Wellness Rating’?

Wellness ratings aim to measure and recognize public spaces that provide utmost importance to the health and well-being of its tenants. These ratings are certifications that developers and property owners aspire to complete and achieve as a symbol of their commitment to building spaces that put a premium on the public’s welfare, especially in the new normal.

Wellness Ratings in the Philippines

In the Philippines, commercial developments can aim for LEED, BERDE, and WELL certifications to ensure the quality of spaces they construct and offer to the public.

LEED or the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development is one of the certifications that buildings in the country can apply to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of the building’s occupiers.

Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), it is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a third-party verification that a building was designed and built following strategies aimed to underscore the triple bottom line of sustainability: People, Planet, and Profit.

The ‘People’ concept of sustainability highlights the importance of the experience inside the building. It emphasizes how providing an ideal environment for occupants can contribute to their working performance, motivation, happiness, and its overall impacts on public health and society as a whole.

BERDE, or the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence, is a tool to assess, measure, monitor, and certify the performance of green building projects in the Philippines. Developed by the Philippine Green Building Council, this rating aims to ensure green buildings perform and follow existing national and local building and environmental laws, regulations, and mandatory standards in the country.

WELL, on the other hand, is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing. Commercial buildings and establishments are evaluated through various elements that contribute and affect holistic well-being of the public including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.

Why is Wellness Important in the Office

Commercial developments and office buildings in the Philippines should aim to provide healthy and safe spaces for their tenants, employees, and occupants. Putting the public’s well-being on top of the priority will not only be a unique feature for an establishment but will also benefit the business in the long run.

Studies show that healthy and happy employees perform better and faster in the workplace, effectively increasing their output and boosting their motivation to work. Healthy workspaces also improve and maintain employee morale, fosters loyalty, and increase employee retention.

Moreover, a company that takes care of their employees by providing healthy and safe workspaces create a better and more ideal brand identity and reputation.

With its vision of Bringing Work to Life, JEG Tower @ One Acacia revolutionizes work and life balance by integrating sustainability and sophistication in its design and operations. Office spaces in this 22-storey commercial tower offer the best working environment, amplified by its unique green features and guided by LEED standards.

Interested to learn more? Connect with Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 to find out how you can locate your business in the best workplace in Cebu City.

May 19, 2021May 19, 2021

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!

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021

Efficiency vs. Aesthetic: Why JEG Tower @ One Acacia has ‘uniquely designed’ windows

Traditional office spaces tend to be constricting boxes of plain gray walls. However, as the idea of the “workplace” evolved to a more ‘human-centric’ approach, trends in office design and construction highlighted the importance of health and wellness. Open layout offices and Biophilic offices became the ideal type of setup. Both are meant to promote the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of the employees, providing areas where they can rest, socialize, and spend most of the day in a healthy space.

As the world adapted to life amid a global health crisis, more realized the importance of promoting the health and safety of the community, especially in offices and workplaces. Green buildings are becoming to be the standard in the post-pandemic life as they offer a more refined quality of life while working.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the ultimate fusion of business and leisure. With its top-grade green features and sophisticated design, it is one of the few LEED-certified buildings in the Cebu central business district (CBD). This 22-storey premium grade green building is the newest PEZA accredited development in Cebu City.

READ MORE: Well & Green: How JEG Tower @ One Acacia delivers the best workplace in Cebu

One of JEG Tower’s unique features is its operable windows on its office floors. While some may find this design call as disruptive on its façade, JEG Development Corporation chose to prioritize efficiency over aesthetics. Being a LEED Pre-certified Silver development, JEG Tower observes industry standards to ensure the optimal indoor air quality inside the tower. Operable windows allow the flow of fresh air into the office floors, providing more benefit to its tenants and improving the efficiency of the building.

Many studies gave also linked disease-causing germs and viruses to enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces. According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), building occupants with little or no access to fresh air end up being more exposed to pollutants indoors compared to when they go outdoors. HVAC systems tend to circulate and recycle old air rather than drawing new and fresh air from the outside.

Should office windows be operable?

Operable office windows provide natural ventilation that does not only improve the energy efficiency of a building but also benefit the health and well-being of its occupiers:

Energy Conservation

Operable windows can allow natural airflow into the establishment. The introduction of warm and cool air to the interior of the building during favorable outside temperature and humidity conditions.

Increased Comfort and Productivity

Fresh air is always good for the health of the tenants of the building. Studies show that employees that have access to fresh outdoor air and more oxygen are more productive and healthy.

Disease Prevention and Control

Since some research claim that COVID-19 is airborne, operable windows can prevent other airborne diseases and prevent cross-infection inside the premises of the office.

Low Maintenance

Operable windows are easier to clean and maintain for office buildings. It allows easier access to the window cleaners from the inside.

Understanding the importance of indoor air quality and fresh air is vital in offering the best working environment for employees. Committed to providing safer spaces in Cebu, JEG Tower @ One Acacia invests in the latest technology and follows the highest industry standards that set well-being as the top priority.

For inquiries and more information on leasing, contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884.

April 27, 2021April 27, 2021

The GREEN Advantage: How do green buildings contribute to pandemic resilience?

More than the adjustments transitioning into the new normal, the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines made way for changes to happen and lessons to be learned, especially in the public health sector. Due to the global health crisis, many realized the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, not only at home but more importantly at work and within public spaces.

As the world continues to face the pandemic’s threats, health experts are unanimous in saying that prevention and control remain to be the key elements in surviving public health emergencies. Aside from protecting oneself and getting fit and healthy, communities play a huge role in successfully fighting pandemics in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the discourse on how important public spaces are in community health. As people learn more about how their environment contributes to their well-being, more have become conscious of where they work, study, shop, an dine.

“Building-based prevention and control measures have become one of the most important methods of fighting against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Dr Ho Nyok Yong, president of the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), in a webinar during the onset of the pandemic.

The GREEN Advantage

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.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, green buildings place a strong emphasis on optimizing indoor air quality, providing well-ventilated indoor spaces, and encouraging the overall health and well-being of its occupants. To provide additional layers of safety and protection, property owners and landlords started to invest in green building technologies to retrofit workspaces and offices, which are found to be the hotspot of airborne disease outbreaks.

More studies are also connecting the importance of building green infrastructure and encouraging sustainable urban planning and design. According to some research, green infrastructure offers a wide range of ecosystem functions and services essential to human wellbeing and urban sustainability which are of relevance under climatic and health crises.

LEED-certified green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, follow certain criteria that are beneficial to disease control and prevention in the workplace and in the community.

Green buildings provide basic functions for epidemic prevention and control inside public spaces. This includes improving the indoor air quality and natural ventilation and promoting indoor disinfection of surfaces and areas. Through this, the risk of infection and cross-infection within public spaces is significantly reduced, ensuring the safety of the occupants and other members of the community.The world green building council also regulates the water quality, air quality, fitness and antibacterial function building materials of green buildings and developments.

Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

March 30, 2021March 30, 2021

Sustainability Report: How does JEG Tower @ One Acacia contribute to the People, Planet, and Profit?

JEG Tower @ One Acacia takes pride in being one of the most environmentally friendly commercial establishments, not only in Cebu City but also in the rest of the Philippines. Being named as the country’s Best Green Commercial Development in 2020 and LEED Pre-certified Silver by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), this 22-storey premium-grade building serves as the standard-bearer of JEG Development Corporation’s commitment to giving back to the Cebuanos by promoting sustainable real estate.

In a sustainability report, JDC quantifies how much difference a green building like JEG Tower can contribute to the community not only in terms of being environmentally responsible, but also in prioritizing the health and well-being of its tenants while supporting the companies occupying the building.

Underscoring the triple bottom line of sustainability that is People, Planet, and Profit, JEG Tower invests in technology and observes measures that improve energy efficiency, water efficiency, Ozone protection, and environmental protection during construction and beyond.

Energy Efficiency

Premium green buildings like JEG Tower @ One Acacia address greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of energy required for building operations. With a whole-building approach, the tower strives to use energy more efficiently by utilizing high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, installation of Low-E glass to reduce heat from the sun on the building’s interiors, installation of LED lighting throughout all buildings, provisions for energy-efficient elevators & escalators, use of variable speed motors and pumps to reduce energy further, as well as providing white roofs to reduce the heat load on the building.

Based on the results of Barone International energy models and in comparison to non-green commercial structures, JEG Tower recorded a 23% reduction in electricity consumption.

Water Efficiency

Most buildings rely on municipal potable water sources to meet operational needs such as flushing toilets to landscape irrigation. As most city centers become highly urbanized and develop, there is an increased demand for potable water that puts a strain on its supply, and under extreme conditions necessitates water rationing. Water pumping and treatment also require energy, whose production generates additional greenhouse gas emissions.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes water efficiency by having a rainwater collection system that utilizes rainwater for plumbing and the irrigation of the building’s green spaces. Having this system within an establishment significantly decreases the total amount of water withdrawn from underground aquifers and other water bodies. Moreover, these strategies will protect the natural water cycle and save resources for future generations. A reduction in water consumption also decreases the buildings’ operating costs and further improves the buildings’ overall energy efficiency.

The same sustainability report found that a 54% savings in water usage is recorded using JEG Tower’s technology, or at least the volume of two Olympic-sized pools.

Ozone Protection

As Climate Change becomes one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems, the use of refrigeration equipment that produces chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) is highly discouraged.

To ensure the right refrigerants are being used, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has established a refrigerant management system to minimize the negative impacts on ozone depletion and provide additional protection to the earth’s atmosphere. The refrigerant selected for the building’s air conditioning system is the Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) R-410A which has zero Ozone-Depletion Potential (zero- ODP) but a low Global Warming Potential 1,890 GWP, as compared to other HFC refrigerants.

Environmental Protection

By observing the LEED 2009 Green Building Design and Construction Guidelines, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has implemented several sustainable policies, programs, and procedures to provide the surrounding communities with additional environmental protections such as:

Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

This measure reduces the pollution that can be caused by construction-related activities. General contractors of the building have implemented an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all construction activities associated with the project, which has complied with the erosion and sedimentation requirements of the U.S. EPA Construction General Permit.

Restoration of Habitats

The proposed landscape at the development will help restore damaged areas from the construction activities, provide habitats, and promote biodiversity to the development. JEG Tower @ One Acacia has dedicated 20% of its total area to providing green and open spaces to promote biodiversity and a healthier working environment.

Its unique rooftop garden also features native and adaptive vegetation to ensure less maintenance and reduced costs by minimizing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.

Collection of Recyclables

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has also provided a dedicated area at each building to collect and store waste materials for recycling. By making it easier for the building occupants to recycle their waste, a significant portion of the solid waste stream can be diverted from local landfills.

Construction Waste Management

Contractors of JEG Tower @ One Acacia have implemented a program to divert construction and demolition debris from disposal in landfills and incineration facilities. Instead, these recyclable construction materials are redirected back to the manufacturing process and appropriate reclamation sites. Recycling construction and demolition materials reduce demand for virgin resources and further reduces the environmental impacts of resource extraction, processing, and transportation.

JEG Development Corporation’s commitment to building a sustainable project demonstrates their leadership in today’s market, heavily influenced by demands for green buildings: to deliver buildings with a lesser negative environmental impact, lower energy consumption, and healthier indoor environments.

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.

March 15, 2021March 15, 2021

Making Waves in the Workplace: Why the Real Estate Industry Needs More Women Leaders

Having female leaders is usually a feat for most companies, but JEG Development Corporation was bound to set new standards from the beginning. Being one of the first few local developers in Cebu, the company is grounded on tradition set by its namesake, Jose E. Garcia, but continues to dare and challenge norms to continue his legacy. Third generation leader, Ayla Gomez, smashes stereotypes and breaks barriers as one of the executive committee members of JDC while advocating for women empowerment and sustainability in the workplace.

“I wouldn’t say it was a dream to be an executive or specifically to be in real estate,” Ayla expressed. “I did, however, have hopes of being able to lead effectively in whatever path I chose to take, and to be able to contribute something of value, and be a team player.”

Breath of Fresh Air

Representing the family business as the brand manager, Ayla stands out as one of the young women who dare to redefine women’s roles in leadership and real estate. Having a background in marketing, design, and business, Ayla applies a different approach in working on JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s branding: she ensures they remain as authentic as possible to their identity and genuinely stand by what the award-winning building represents.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first vertical development. Despite being arguably the new kids on the block, the 22-storey premium green building has already been recognized as the Philippines’ Best Green Development and was shortlisted as Best Office Development by PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

“We are a small company, even smaller when I came in, and we were starting our first vertical project,” Ayla shared. “I remember thinking back then, “This can be challenging.”, but of course, being small has its advantages which we look at as a strength of ours.”

Fast forward years after, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is nearing its opening and launch. It is dubbed as the best place to work in Cebu City after earning a LEED Silver Pre-certification and an accreditation from PEZA.

Green Branding Redefined

Being “green” is not all about being environmentally friendly today. For a homegrown company like JDC, this project means a way of giving back to the people of Cebu. While constructing a green building is more expensive compared to building normal ones, JDC carries its company values of integrity, visionary, and fortitude.

“If they are building something, we are doing it the best way possible,” Ayla expressed. “We want to make them feel valuable, staying true to JEG Tower’s main vision of revolutionizing work and life balance.”

The importance of green buildings is being emphasized much more today as the world faces a global health crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, green buildings encompass a holistic approach in real estate, where sustainability is measured in providing a safe and healthy space for building occupants, while minimizing the harmful effects of construction and operations on the environment.

“I felt very strongly about the project and the sustainable direction it was leading in. I was excited to be part of one of the first movers in Cebu real estate to recognize this importance and to help bring this to the forefront in the community here,” she said.

Inspiring More ‘Girl Bosses

Gone are the times that it is unconventional for companies to have female leaders. In fact, Ayla shared an interesting trivia: “According to the Grant Thornton 2020 Women in Business Survey, 43% of female executives in the country hold senior leadership roles, and the Philippines ranked first as having the most number of female executives. This is definitely inspiring!”

Progressive companies and more ‘tenacious, compassionate, and collaborative’ women leaders work hand in hand in normalizing how gender does not define nor limit brilliance nor competence in leadership.

“One challenge that women leaders face is having to assert ourselves more because most industries are still very much male dominated, which puts women on an uneven playing field,” she shared. “Most times, a woman’s competence is questioned and criticized more than of a man’s.”

Despite this, Ayla inspires more girl bosses and women leaders to eliminate inequality and stereotypes in the industry. “The gender bias or double standard is prevalent and is something that women are fighting to change. Women continue to break the glass ceiling and make waves in the workplace.”

Representing JEG Development Corporation and fellow women, Ayla calls for an inclusive workplace for all in working towards a ‘gender-balanced’ society. “Be proactive. Let us continue to make our voices heard and make others listen,” she stated. “Whether it is for equal pay or more representation in the company, let us push for action to evaluate, identify, and prevent an unconscious bias.”

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

LEED’s Triple Bottomline: How JEG Tower @ One Acacia uplifts People, Planet, and Profit

As the term ‘Sustainability’ developed into a more encompassing concept, green buildings now aim to cover the economic and social effects of real estate on the society. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is Cebu City’s newest premium building to rise in the Cebu Business District. Being a LEED Pre-certified Silver commercial development, this 22-storey, Grade A building underscores the triple bottom line of sustainability that is People, Planet, and Profit.

According to the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, businesses and organizations that follow these principles and approach create long-term value by embracing opportunities and managing risks derived from changes in economic, environmental, and social factors.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia was designed and constructed to be a safe environment and a premium space for Cebuanos. Being a Pre-certified Silver LEED building, it prioritizes the health and well-being of its occupants with its top-grade amenities and green features. The tower ensures the safety and protection of its tenants from different threats to their health. JEG Tower utilizes top-grade amenities, such as the MERV 13 filter and the fresh air system, to provide an improved and the optimal indoor air quality inside the building.

JEG Tower also enhanced its features that safeguard its tenants from the virus and other health hazards. As an additional layer of protection, it utilizes contactless technology through automated doors and sensor-automated fixtures. The tower also has designated areas for sanitation and disinfection.

More than the physical aspect of wellness, the tower also uplifts the mental health of its occupiers through some of its key design elements: a lot of dedicated green spaces and large windows. Following a biophilic office design, employees can maximize natural light and exposure to plants and nature which are scientifically proven to improve mood, relieve stress, and induce motivation. JEG Tower also features a unique green rooftop, making it one of the most identifiable landmarks in the Cebu City skyline.

The ‘Planet’ concept of sustainability considers the environmental impacts of the design of the building and its operations on air, water, land, and the global climate. JEG Tower @ One Acacia was developed by, JEG Development Corporation, one of the country’s frontrunners of sustainable real estate.

It utilizes state-of-the-art technology such as the Destination Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevator systems to ensure strategic and safe movement within the building. These elevators are integrated with the installed turnstiles that allow for a unique lift assignment, assuring a less crowded lobby. This technology also improves the energy efficiency of the building, successfully reducing the development’s carbon footprint.

RELATED: How JEG Tower ensures workplace safety

This premium development also uses green construction materials such as non-VOC paints and locally sourced wood and raw materials. JEG Tower also has its own material recovery facility to support its vision of creating fewer negative impacts on the environment. The development also has a rainwater collection facility which also helps in water conservation.

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

Recently, JEG Tower @ One Acacia was recognized as the country’s 2020 Best Green Commercial Development with its impressive green features and commitment to prioritizing the holistic well-being of its tenants. PropertyGuru Philippines has also shortlisted this premier development as Best Office Development in the same year.

The ‘Profit’ concept focuses on the financial aspect of businesses located in a green building. JEG Tower @ One Acacia delivers the best working environment for its tenants, making itself a partner to these businesses’ growth and success. Moreover, it also significantly factors in a company’s savings and operating costs. With JEG Tower’s design and green features, occupiers can have utility savings by up to 12%.

LEED’s triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit emphasizes how connected each aspect is to each other. Utility savings and energy costs can have a direct impact on the environment, and the environment can affect the community’s overall well-being as a whole.

Interested to learn more about JEG Tower’s advocacy? Reach out to Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443. For more information on leasing, send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us through (+632) 8403-5519.

January 12, 2021January 12, 2021

Sustainability Construction and Design Trends 2021

Sustainability was one of the most defining shifts in the real estate industry in 2020. As more businesses realize the importance of health and well-being, this trend in design and construction shows no signs of slowing down this year. Construction and design professionals are also working to build more planet-friendly structures that would benefit communities as a whole.

Here are some green trends in construction and design to expect this year:

Green Materials and Increased LEED applications

As more people realize the benefits of staying and locating in a green building, many developers will aim for LEED certification for their commercial and residential developments. More green materials will be used and prioritized in construction to help property owners achieve this certification.

Green materials such as wood, bamboo, natural fibers, non-VOC paints, fiber cement, among others will be utilized by developers and contractors for their health and practical benefits. Experts say that as more people realize the connection between their environment and their wellness, many will opt to return to using materials that originate from nature rather than highly processed and synthetic options.

Biophilic Design

Many offices will be inspired by biophilic features and design in workstations and shared spaces. Biophilic spaces do not only use eco-friendly materials, it also promote a healthier lifestyle by bringing nature and its elements back into buildings.

Studies found that incorporating biophilic design in the workplace has a positive effect on the employees’ productivity, mood, and health. Work environments that feature elements of nature can contribute to a decrease in the levels of mental fatigue and an increase in levels of workplace well-being.

A biophilic office design will continuously be in trend for this year since businesses prioritize the health and safety of their employees as they start coming back to the office amid the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than strict precautionary measures protecting physical health, employers should also cater to the emotional and mental well-being of their people.

Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular Architecture will also be one of the sustainable construction and design trends for this year. More developments will be using locally produced and available construction materials. This real estate trend will also inspire design that will not only pay homage to the history and culture of a place but would also increase the efficiency of material procurement and production. This type of construction is sustainable as vernacular design stresses utilizing materials within reach from the site, which in turn cuts down on transportation cost and reduces the chance of shortage of materials.

Water Conservation Measures

Commercial buildings will be more aware of their water conservation measures in 2021 as there is more awareness of the predicted shortage of fresh water supply in some regions of the world. Installing rainwater collecting and management facilities and installing green roofs is a sustainable design and construction solution for this imminent environmental problem.

Passive Building Design

Logically designing a building to maximize as many natural resources is also one of the sustainable trends in construction this year. Allowing more natural light by building larger windows or orienting a structure in such a way that wind flows will lead to lesser utility costs and lesser energy emissions in the long run. Little adjustments and changes in the design of a development can go a long way to reducing the energy requirements of the building and would also benefit its occupants.

JEG Development Corportation is one of the frontrunners of sustainability in the Philippines. Its first vertical commercial development, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is where sustainability meets sophistication. The 22-storey office and retail tower is LEED Silver Pre-certified and is designed for providing an optimal working environment for its tenants.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is also 2020’s Best Commercial Green Development in the 8th Property Guru Philippine Property Awards. Recognizing the tower’s world-class green features and amenities, JDC is the first local Cebuano company to win this award. JEG Tower was also shortlisted for Best Office Development in the same year.

Learn more about how the building’s design and construction benefit the environment and its occupants. Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-852-6884. For more information on leasing, send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us through (+632) 8403-5519.

Tag: LEED