‘Green’ building aims to become best office in Cebu

JEG DEVELOPMENT Corp. (JDC) is hoping its new “green” office building in Cebu City will address the needs of companies navigating the post-pandemic work environment.

The company recently launched JEG Tower @ One Acacia, a 22-storey office and retail development that boasts of eco-friendly and sustainable features.

“We’re confident our decision to go green will differentiate (the building) from others… JEG Tower hopes to capture the market of companies returning to office,” JDC Chief Operating Officer Marko Sarmiento said during a virtual briefing on April 21.

While office vacancy rates in the Cebu IT park are now at 20-25%, Mr. Sarmiento said he is confident the building’s focus on wellness would encourage more companies and their employees to return to the office.

“Nothing will replace being with your team…. JEG Tower has features that make it more attractive for workers to go back, like the roof deck, open spaces and the flexibility to design your office spaces,” he said.

Mr. Sarmiento noted they have seen increased interest in JEG Tower in the first quarter, a sign that business activity is picking up in the city.

“There’s more interest in the first quarter than all of last year. We’re hopeful,” he added.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had prompted the developer to boost the project’s sustainability and wellness features, such as the use of natural light, reduced water usage and efficient waste management.

“It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant,” he added.

Ayla G. Gomez, JDC brand manager, said the company integrated intelligent technology in the building, and installed thermal scanners and automatic sliding doors in an effort to minimize contact touch-points.

To reduce the risk of infection in common areas, the building also included anti-bacterial fixtures and above standards filtration.

“Another unique sustainability feature that makes JEG Tower @ Acacia stand out is its Mitsubishi Destination-Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) elevators. DOAS elevators are developed to ensure strategic and safe movement within the vertical development, with innovative technology designed to utilize less energy consumption,” Mr. Sarmiento said.

The building also has a rooftop garden that the company hopes will give employees a respite from work.

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is committed to providing the best workplace that addresses the physiological, mental, and social needs of its employees and occupants. We continuously invest in the quality of the work environment, as well as the health and well-being of our tenants, in a bid to help our tenants achieve increased productivity,” Mr. Sarmiento said.

These eco-friendly features helped JEG Tower @ Acacia secure a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council in 2021. It was awarded 68 points, making it the highest-scoring LEED for Core and Shell project in Cebu.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first venture into high-rise buildings. — Cathy Rose A. Garcia