Cebu City’s sustainable ‘green’ office tower nears completion

CEBU CITY — A high-rise tower will soon show a sustainable feature of development in this city equipped with not just sophisticated design to offer a work-and-life balance but will also operate using less water and energy to emit fewer greenhouse gases.

This, as the JEG Development Corporation (JDC) has marked the completion of JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s structural construction phase of their first venture into high-rise buildings when the topping off ceremony last month completed the tower’s 22nd floor.

“The topping off is important for any development since it signifies a major accomplishment in the overall completion of the project,” Marko Sarmiento, JDC’S chief operating officer said.

He said the “superstructure is the most vital component in any building and to reach this point only means that we’re close to the finish line.”

A statement said the 22-story tower serves as a landmark to celebrate the Escaño- Garcia family’s legacy.

The building, it added, promotes “sustainability through ushering in more green real estate in Cebu.”

The tower is “more than just an additional gem to the Cebu City skyline,” the statement further read, adding the sophisticated design formulated by the Casas Architects “meant to highlight its sustainable features.

Ayla Gomez, JDC’S brand manager, said they are excited to finish the roof garden which, she expected that “our future tenants will appreciate as well.”

“It is a great area for events and is a perfect green space that we need for a quick afternoon respite, as it overlooks the sea and the mountains, fueling and inspiring the rest of the workday,” Gomez said of the tower’s rooftop garden.

As its first high-rise commercial venture, the tower “is one of Cebu’s pioneers in raising the bar in the quality of premium commercial spaces in the region, which will not only benefit its tenants’ operational costs but also uplift the working conditions of their employees,” the statement further read.

“It utilizes top-of-the-line technology such as Daikin VRV air conditioning systems and Mitsubishi DOAS elevators that organize their lifts to be the most time-saving for office users… The central location of the JEG Tower @ One Acacia also enables JDC to promote the walkability of the business district and put more attention to the wellness of the tenants through the green spaces available,” it added.

As the building is getting closer to turn over, Gomez said locals can look forward to having the option to choose better work environments for their companies and most especially for the people that work for them.

“The city will have a grade-a building that fosters community and the work-life balance that every Cebuano deserves,” she added.

For Stefan Garcia, estate and business development manager of the tower’s developer, said the company “has placed a lot of resources to build the best workspace in the city,” adding that “JEG Tower is one of a new crop of office developments in Cebu that are raising the standards of buildings in our city.”

Upon completion, the tower will also serve as JDC’S headquarters. ■