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How do green buildings keep off COVID-19?

On average, humans spend 90% of their time indoors. Now that the majority are returning to a ‘more normal’ way of living, many also go back to their traditional workspace. Numerous studies have proven the direct relationship between one’s living conditions and the spread of disease. From the quality of indoor air to the materials used inside buildings where people work and spend the majority of their day. The pandemic made people more conscious of their environment to protect themselves from diseases and viruses.

Even before the COVID-19 health crisis, green buildings have been advocating healthy spaces, especially in offices and commercial developments. By promoting sustainability and workplace wellness, these types of buildings prioritize energy efficiency, optimizing indoor air quality, resource conservation, and proper waste management. 
 
Optimized Indoor Air Quality 
 
Proper ventilation is critical to prevent the transmission of coronavirus pathogens. During the onset of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that viral pathogens can linger in indoor air for at least eight minutes. Furthermore, a study University of Cambridge warned that the use of mixed ventilation systems inside buildings may increase the risk of exposure to coronavirus. 

“During coronavirus, nobody wants recirculated air in offices, gyms, and schools,” says Catriona Brady, head of Better Places for People at the World Green Building Council. The World Green Building Council aims to promote the construction of more sustainable buildings, providing measures and guidelines to commercial and residential developments around the world.

A pioneer sustainable building in Cebu City, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is a standout, premium green building in the Philippines. The 22-storey office and retail project was named Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines for its unique and innovative features that ensure the best air quality inside its premises. 
 
JEG Tower utilizes 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.  

Even from its construction, the tower observed the Construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan. This measure is implemented by LEED-certified buildings to protect its HVAC system during construction, control pollutant sources, and interrupt pathways for infection. It also guides the sequence of installation of materials to avoid contamination of absorptive materials such as insulation, carpeting, ceiling tile, and gypsum wallboard. 
 
READ MORE: JEG Tower Focus: MERV and Fresh Air System for Optimal Indoor Air Quality 

As the highest LEED-scoring development in Cebu City, JEG Tower puts a premium on ventilation and provides a safe working space for its tenants and occupiers. 
 
“A green building is like a giant face mask,” says Dr. Ho Nyok Yong, president of the Singapore Green Building Council. This is definitely one of the considerations of employees in returning to the office in the new normal. 

Non-toxic materials 

Many construction materials, including paint, contain dangerous toxins that can cause significant effects on the health of people. Many types of paint contain the colorless gas formaldehyde, one of the most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  
 
RELATED: Defining Sustainability: Casas+Architects discusses why it matters in design and construction 

Formaldehyde is also found in many types of glue, adhesives, and sealants as well as certain types of foam insulation. The gas poses a serious risk to human health; it is carcinogenic and can cause both respiratory problems and skin irritation. 
 
JEG Tower @ One Acacia used construction materials that are low in VOCs and other green materials that originate from nature rather than highly processed and synthetic options. 

Green Buildings Save Lives 

A recent study from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people in cities with slightly higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) had higher death rates from COVID-19. 

“We have research showing that air pollution, which in many parts of the world is coming from burning fossil fuels, is causing people to die from COVID 19,” says Dr. Aaron Bernstein, USGBC board chair and also the co-director of Harvard’s Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment (Harvard C-CHANGE). “For people who are living in places with worse overall air quality, it [pollution] has set up their lungs to fall apart when they got sick.” 

“Green buildings save lives because they rely less on energy for every square foot of the building,” he added. “They’re responsible for a lower share of air pollution.” 

JEG Tower @ One Acacia revolutionizes work and life balance by providing a safe and healthy space for its tenants while advocating for their holistic wellbeing. The tower has been LEED-Gold certified for its outstanding commitment to energy efficiency and less negative impacts on the environment. 
 
Learn more about how to lease in the best place to work in Cebu City. Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547 to schedule a viewing today! 

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Workplace Wellness Trends for 2022

The global health crisis has significantly highlighted the importance of health and well-being in a community setting. While public health has been one of the priorities of the government, COVID-19 emphasized how it should be a core concern when it comes to urban development and economic recovery.

In 2022, more companies are looking for sustainable and resilient solutions to better protect and better equip their workforce physically and mentally. Beyond pandemic resilience, the new normal office puts the spotlight on workplace wellness and safety for employees and building tenants. Here are some workplace wellness trends to expect in 2022:

Reinforcing Work-Life Balance

Prolonged lockdowns have left companies in and outside the Philippines to offer more flexible work arrangements. Contrary to the typical 8-5 office setup, many have enjoyed spending more time at home through a remote work setup, enabling them to reinforce work and life balance. This trend is expected to continue next year, as many companies consider decentralizing their workforce and provide more flexible options for their employees.

A hybrid office model means a mix of office and work-from-home setup, allowing employees to do more things outside of work. A study in the US revealed that the pandemic has significantly improved their work-life balance. Out of 1,010 respondents, 83% said that they currently have a positive work-life balance because of more flexible work options.

Focus on Mental Health & Stress Management

The new normal presents an opportunity to provide a better work environment for employees and support their mental well-being. 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 extended periods of time can suffer from mental burnout, demotivation, and added stress.

In a study, 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.

Primary Care Benefits

Employees expect a more comprehensive healthcare and protection benefits from their employees in 2022. As the majority realized the importance of putting their health first and at the top of their priorities, one of the emerging trends in the new normal is the inclusion of primary care to the employees’ benefits moving forward.

Healthier Workspaces

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.

Premium green buildings and commercial developments, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, ensure that the workplace gives utmost importance to the health, safety, and holistic well-being of its tenants. With offices designed to integrate sustainability and sophistication, employees can enjoy green features that provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs.

READ MORE: Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

Want to learn more about how the workplace can support employee well-being? Contact Gerold Fernando at (+63) 917-565-3547. For leasing inquiries and more information, send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

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Redefining Work-Life Balance in the New Normal

If there is something positive that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts agree that it is emphasizing the importance of employee health and safety, exploring the possibility of a more flexible working arrangement, and reiterating the importance of space – especially in the office.

As more economies and industries reopen in the new normal, many companies and businesses are becoming more aware of their responsibilities in taking care of and prioritizing the well-being of their employees. As an effect of the long-term remote work scheme, most employees have also realized the importance of work-life balance.

What is Work-Life Balance in the New Normal?

Mobile devices, cloud sharing applications, and video conferencing platforms have played key roles in making remote work possible during lockdowns. As modern technology offered this possibility and convenience, it also further blurred the line that separates work and the private lives of many workers. In an article published by Forbes Magazine in May, many employers and employees alike reported burnout because of this. International corporations and even local businesses have recognized how “the blurring of lines between home and work and the relentlessness of the pandemic workday have taken a toll on their well-being.”

Redefining work-life balance in the new normal became crucial for companies in order to address it better during business re-entry. With the transition to a more flexible work arrangement, work-life balance now emphasizes the importance of working efficiently without sacrificing the employees’ health and wellness. Work-life balance in the new normal should also highlight rest and strengthening one’s immune system as protection against the virus. Moreover, it should also focus on working within safe and healthy workspaces.

Healthy Spaces for Work-Life Balance

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy post-pandemic workplace should be a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia was designed and built with its occupiers’ health and safety in mind. Even before the pandemic, this premium 22-storey commercial establishment aimed to offer the best workplace in Cebu City.

Homegrown developer, JEG Development Corporation (JDC), has focused on pivoting the evolving needs of the workplace in the new normal and has incorporated systems, fixtures, and technology to inspire work-life balance and provide a safe space for its tenants.

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


Through the intelligent utilization of technology, sustainable design and construction methods, and integrated and holistic approach to the well-being of its occupiers, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the perfect new normal workplace in the heart of Metro Cebu. This premium green building was named 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines for its design and utilization of top-grade amenities to elevate the experience of its tenants. It also recently achieved a LEED Gold certification, making it one of the most sustainable developments in the country.

Looking for a safe workplace post-lockdown in Metro Cebu? Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. Schedule a viewing with us today by calling (+63) 2-8403-5519 or sending an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.