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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. 
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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. 

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Why right the time for renewable energy in the Philippines is now

The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the call for sustainability across industries in the world. As countries begin to recognize the importance of addressing health and safety concerns in a holistic approach, green and sustainable features become a standard in real estate developments, especially in the Philippines.

As a developing country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is susceptible to the impending effects of global warming and climate change. The ever increasing demand for energy and power also contributes to the continuous burning of fossil fuels, which is not only detrimental to the environment but could also lead to health implications in the long run.

Here are a few reasons why the right time for renewable energy in the Philippines is now:

Much needed Economic Boost

Long periods of lockdowns and the global economic recession significantly put a dent in the local economy of the Philippines. Investing in renewable energy can provide a much-needed economic boost and overcome fears of a U-shaped recovery. According to the World Economic Forum, citing numbers from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), every dollar invested in the clean energy transition provides 3-8 times the return.

More Employment Opportunities

The widespread adoption of renewable energy creates employment opportunities up and down the supply chain. As of 2018, the renewable energy sector has already employed 11 million people worldwide. According to a May 2020 report released by McKinsey, international government spending on energy efficiency efforts creates 3 times more jobs than allocating budget for fossil fuel production.


Lower Health Risks

Renewable energy reduces health risks since higher production of fossil fuels increases air pollution and increases the chances of respiratory issues, which is more crucial because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solar power is a clean and renewable energy that does not contribute to the creation of carbon emissions in the world, effectively reducing air pollution. By using solar power instead of the municipal power supply, businesses that are located in solar-powered establishments limit the production of greenhouse that also contributes to common health problems such as asthma.

RELATED: Benefits of Solar Energy in the Office

Improved Energy Resilience

With a consistent and growing demand for energy and power, electricity grids and systems remain overworked in the Philippines. In turn, these only produce erratic electrical supply in some parts of the country, especially in remote areas. Renewable and clean energy sources are more sustainable sources of power, providing access for all while reducing electricity costs for consumers.


Additionally, renewable energy can provide electricity access for commercial buildings that utilize solar panels to reduce its dependency on the local power grid. Stored solar energy can help in guaranteeing a 100% uptime and providing a more reliable backup power to sustain business operations in case of a power blackout.

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

JEG Development Corporation advocates for sustainability and the use of renewable energy in the Philippines. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the first commercial development in Cebu to use solar energy to operationalize the 22-storey premium green building.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower is designed towards sustainability and operates to reduce negative impacts to the environment and provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Interested in leasing an office in this premium green office space? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com to schedule a viewing.

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

The Philippines has topped Asia and ranked 5th in the world for the use of solar energy across various sectors and industries.

According to a study conducted in 2018, the country was hailed number one among developing countries in the continent in terms of the use of solar photovoltaic systems for electricity generation. As a tropical archipelago, experts agree that the Philippines has the potential to generate a lot of energy from natural resources. In recent years, local government units and private firms partner to capitalize on this potential. Numerous solar energy farms across the country have been established and founded to supply electricity and power to select areas and localities.

solar panels in the Philippines have come to the forefront in cost efficiency with regular consumers. In truth, the Philippines has been generating energy from renewable resources for a long while now. It has only been in recent history that more of the Filipino people are recognizing the benefits of renewable energies as an alternative to oil and carbon. Listed below are the renewable energies found in the Philippines, as well as the geographic location of the power plants where they can be found.

Cheap, Clean, Renewable

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.

READ MORE: Benefits of Solar Energy in the Office

The IEA also noted that they are looking forward to the next 25 years, when the world’s growing energy needs are met first by renewables and natural gas as fast-declining costs turn solar power into the cheapest source of new electricity generation.

Investment in Sustainability

The Department of Energy has been bullish in exploring and investing in renewable energy generation to help lower costs, meet the consumption demands, and lessen the country’s carbon footprint. Beyond costs, solar power generation also reduces emission of environment-harming greenhouse gases that contribute heavily to the climate crisis.

Moreover, the shift to renewable energy in real estate is constitutionally encouraged in the country. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act requires building owners to use renewable sources. Solar power is most plausible given that the Philippines remains to be the only country to experience 2,000 hours of sun per year.

With the massive movement to go green especially in real estate, the investment or additional cost incurred in the technology used to support solar energy can be outweighed or mitigated upfront by several benefits that it can provide in the long run.

Beyond the idea of conservation, highlighting the improved energy efficiency structure that will be unique to adopting developments and estates is an unparalleled advantage that will have far-reaching implications in overall energy consumption and demand globally.

Interested in green buildings and the move to a more sustainable future? Contact us today at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or email info@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Benefits of Solar Energy in the Office

The use of solar panels as an alternative energy source can be one of the unique features of a green building. Commercial solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity in order to meet the building’s power needs to operate. As sustainability continues to be one of the standards in real estate development in the new normal, more and more property owners are considering to install commercial solar panels to attract tenants and occupiers. Here are some benefits of using solar power energy in the workplace:

Energy Independence

With growing power demand, overburdened networks and increasingly erratic weather, electricity supply remain volatile in some parts of the Philippines. Commercial buildings that utilize solar panels reduce its dependency on the local power grid.

Stored solar energy can help in guaranteeing a 100% uptime and providing a more reliable backup power to sustain business operations in case of a power blackout.

Environmental Impacts

Solar power is a clean and renewable energy that does not contribute to the creation of carbon emissions in the world, effectively reducing air pollution. By using solar power instead of the municipal power supply, businesses that are located in solar-powered establishments limit the production of greenhouse that also contributes to common health problems such as asthma.

RELATED: Greener Philippines: Achieving True Sustainability In Real Estate

Operational Savings

Installing solar panels and sourcing electricity from the sun’s rays also reduces the building’s operational costs. Since commercial buildings that utilize collected and stored solar energy are not purely dependent on local power grids, businesses can expect a partial cut off their monthly utility bills.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Businesses and brands that support and promote sustainability leave a positive and lasting impression on existing and potential clients. Using solar energy and contributing against climate change is considered to be a plus for a company’s CSR.

Return on Investment

Installing and utilizing solar panels has the potential to increase the resale value of any commercial property. Real estate and property investors are more inclined to pay a premium for developments that have solar-enabled assets that deliver benefits to their tenants and occupants.

READ MORE: Green growth: Why is Sustainability crucial for Cebu City

Push for sustainability locally

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is designed towards sustainability and operates to reduce negative impacts to the environment, and provide a safe and healthy working environment in Metro Cebu.

Interested to know more about how JEG Tower @ One Acacia promotes sustainability in Cebu City’s property market. Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63)-917-825 6884 for inquiries and more information. You can also call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or email info@kmcmaggroup.com.