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.
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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.