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Why LEED is a big deal in the Philippines

As the emerging climate crisis continue to loom in the near future, sustainability and discussion of ecological conservation have been a matter of discussion around the world. In Asia, the Philippines is one of the countries in the region aiming to achieve the “Zero Energy Buildings” goal.

This goal is widely adopted by several countries their respective developers in response to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In the IPCC report, buildings can play a big role in halving global carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 to reduce the risk posed by the climate crisis.

To reach this goal, more premium has been placed on accredited green buildings in the Philippines through the internationally recognized US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This enabled shift toward a greener and more sustainable estate that has placed a greater value in terms of climate resiliency, build quality, and overall tenant satisfaction.

The LEED certification has been competitive edge carried by selected buildings carefully assessed by the USGC. Here are some of the unique characteristics enjoyed by LEED-certified buildings:

  • Promoting cost efficiency and environmental conservation

LEED buildings often have unparalleled sustainable features during their full life cycle. It uses recyclable or natural resources in construction materials and has energy and water-efficient amenities without losing sight of tenant safety and comfort.

According to a 2014 Berkeley study, green buildings contribute fewer greenhouse gases by 50 percent. In the Philippines, some office and commercial buildings have adopted ecological-friendly designs to improve energy and water efficiency with rainwater collection and onsite renewable energy.

RELATED:Capitalizing on Solar Energy: PH tops Asia, ranks 5th worldwide in solar energy use

Buildings become good investments with the smart use of resources and significantly 20% lower operating and maintenance costs as stated in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. These provide tangible benefits to property owners and developers in the long term.

  • Developing better buildings for better tenants

LEED buildings are known for implementing cutting-edge architectural design and smarter space design to meet sustainable and aesthetical standards. Despite the utilization of recyclable or renewable resources, tenant satisfaction and employee morale are boosted through its maximized use of natural lighting and the creative placement of green spaces that add to its overall aesthetic value.

In the US, asset value also increases as businesses are often willing to pay more just to stay in a LEED structure given its benefits in occupant safety and comfort. Attracting a better tenant pool since locating in a green building also helps most corporation or companies achieve their Environmental Social Governance (ESG) goals.

RELATED:Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

  • Pushing for health and wellness

With the implications posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and wellness became one of the top priorities of most companies. While green buildings are good for the environment, it has also contributed greatly to ensuring occupants or employees are better taken care of.

Through automation and a better filtration system, touchless fixtures and amenities are made available along with the improvement of the indoor environment and air quality. Cleaner air reduces the risk of transmission and prevention of respiratory illnesses.

Exposure to fewer toxins or pollutants and access to lush green spaces help reduce tress,resulting in a happier and more productive workforce.

Ready to be our partner for a greener future? Locate in a LEED building such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia today. 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.

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Cultivating Green Traditions: JEG Development Corp. holds 5th annual tree planting activity in Cebu

JEG Development Corporation (JDC) held its 5th annual tree planting activity in Tabunan, Cebu City last Saturday, September 25.

In line with the company’s vision to promote sustainability and the protection of the environment, the homegrown Cebuano developer has been actively spearheading similar events that encourage a hands-on approach for its leaders, employees, and personnel.

“Tree planting is one of the simplest but most impactful ways to give back to nature and help ensure that Cebu’s greenery continually expands and thrives for generations to come,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager shared. “The activity also fosters camaraderie with the employees and helps them put into action what our core values are.”

This year, JDC and JEG Tower @ One Acacia employees planted Guyabano tree seedlings which also aims to provide food for wild animals and sustain the local ecosystem. Guided by the company’s core values, this annual event is their commitment to a multi-generational perspective in leading the organization.

“We always encourage them to bring their kids, significant others, and family members along to pass on the traditions and learnings to the next generation. Through the years, it has become a family bonding experience that leaves everyone feeling proud and encouraged to keep protecting our home,” Gomez added.


JDC is also the name behind JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu City’s newest premium green building. This 22-storey LEED Gold certified commercial and office building is the company’s maiden high-rise development that offers world-class workspaces that revolutionize work and life balance.

Named 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower is an upcoming crown jewel in Cebu City’s skyline with its unique rooftop garden, iconic shape and layout, and the latest workplace technology.

Its outstanding green features, sustainable design and construction practices led to its LEED Gold certification, making it one of the standard-bearers of the developer’s commitment to green real estate. 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.

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 jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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How JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes environment protection & conservation

As one of the frontrunners of sustainability in the Philippines, JEG Development Corporation (JDC) is committed to building a greener and more livable Cebu. Guided by the company’s vision and pledge to provide safe spaces to the Cebuanos and advocate for their holistic well-being, the homegrown real estate company conceptualized and built JEG Tower @ One Acacia, an award-winning premium green building in the heart of the Cebu Central Business District.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia aims to revolutionize work and life balance. Even before the global health crisis highlighted the importance of safe public spaces, the 22-storey premium office and commercial building was designed to uplift the physical and mental health of its tenants and occupants.

Award-winning LEED-certified Building

Recognized as the Philippines’ Best Green Commercial Development in 2020, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the best place to work in Cebu City. It is currently one of Metro Cebu’s newest premium green buildings that is LEED Pre-certified Silver, offering office and retail spaces that were built according to the world-class standards of the US Green Building Council. This high-rise project was specifically designed towards sustainability and would operationalize as energy-efficient as possible.

Being the second most populated urban area of the Philippines after Metro Manila, Cebu City serves as the economic center of the Visayan region and the biggest outside the country’s capital. The expansion of the IT-BPM industry in key areas in the Philippines has also significantly increased the demand for office and retail spaces. JEG Tower @ One Acacia offers additional Grade A office spaces in the CBD, without further contributing to the negative impacts of commercial spaces in the city.

READ MORE: Why Locate your Business in a LEED-certified Office Building?

Why should Cebu City Invest in Green Roofs?

Designed with sustainability and sophistication in mind, JEG Tower @ One Acacia stands out in the Cebu City skyline with its green roof and garden. This architectural feature offers a dedicated green space in the middle of the cityscape to tenants and visitors of the buildings, highlighting endemic flora species in Cebu.

According to local environmental reports, deforestation is one of the main environmental issues in the province because of population growth, rampant urbanization, and small-scale mining. Air pollution has also been a pressing issue in the city, being officially declared ‘unhealthy’ by the Environment Management Bureau in Region 7.

RELATED: How Green Roofs Help the Environment

Having a green roof is an effective way of minimizing the risks of these environmental issues and building better biodiversity in urban areas. Many experts campaign for the creation of more green spaces within cities to reduce the number of polluting air particles and compounds. This can also contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the production of more oxygen.

Building green roofs also benefit the building’s tenants and occupiers by contributing to sound reduction, improves workplace aesthetic, reduces ambient temperature, and regulates indoor temperature.

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. In a sustainability report, JDC quantifies how much difference a premium green building like JEG Tower promotes the protection and conservation of the environment through its world-class design, top-grade green features and amenities, as well as programs that aim to inspire others to do the same.

The 22-storey premium commercial development serves as the symbol of JEG Development Corporation’s commitment to giving back to the Cebuanos by promoting sustainable and green real estate.

Want to learn more about the tower’s commitment to the environment and sustainability? Contact 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 jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Key steps in finding the best retail space in Cebu

Cebu City has quickly become the economic center of the province and the whole Visayan region. With its bustling commercial profile, growing population of a consumer market, and a huge influx of local and international tourists, having a retail space in Metro Cebu is an attractive business opportunity for many Cebuanos.

Finding the best retail space in Cebu may be intimidating for some. Similar to choosing the ideal office location, deciding where to locate your business can be a major impact on your public presence, foot traffic, and revenue among others. Here are some key steps in finding the best retail space for your business in Cebu:

Set your Size Requirement

Hunting for a retail space in Metro Cebu should start on knowing what your business needs, especially the size you need to operate. It will also be beneficial to consider options that have provisions for expansion in the future.

Consider the Best Location

Location is always the top priority when it comes to choosing a commercial space for business. However, the best retail location in Cebu for your business should depend on more considerations such as the type of goods you sell, your target market, accessibility, and competition. The location can also determine other operational expenditures in the long run.

Accessibility for Employees and Clients

Your retail business’ location should be accessible not only to your clients and target market but also to your employees. Locating in an accessible location can promote a better work-life balance for your employees. Another factor is its proximity to key and other essential establishments.

Cap your Budget

Lease rates should also be one of the most crucial considerations in finding the best retail space for your business in Cebu. Locating in a space that is priced too high can affect your return on investment (ROI) and could put a strain on the business’ sustainability.

Inspect the Site

Before signing your lease, make sure to visit the actual space to learn more about it. Ask your broker about maintenance fees or other concessions you can enjoy if ever you sign as a tenant. It is important to visit the space to make sure that you can make use of it efficiently, make yourself familiar with the neighborhood, and plan for your next business steps.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is also offering retail spaces for businesses who want to locate in the heart of Metro Cebu. Get in touch with Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 to learn more about our offer.