THE environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy is the response of the property sector towards building and developing a sustainable future.
Alex Tan, Commercial Director, Physical Access Control Solutions, Asean, HID Global told the BusinessMirror that ESG has become a top agenda for organizations worldwide coupled with the shift of changing buyer behavior and preferences. “Thus, organizations should aspire to take a proactive role in embracing every aspect of ESG, using recent development on environmental standards when implementing a solution or developing a product,” he said.
As a contactless solution, mobile access is designed to meet the ESG requirements as it’s a sustainable solution in the long run. Moreover, Tan said contactless solutions such as mobile access will be the current and future trend for smart cities and commercial buildings. “We foresee a large number of developers in the Philippines who are keen to follow the trends and best practices of other developing countries.”
He urged organizations to take a proactive role in embracing every aspect of ESG, using recent development on environmental standards when implementing a solution or developing a product. Mobile access as a contactless solution is designed to meet the ESG requirements as it’s a sustainable solution in the long run.
Shaping the workplace of the future
Sarmiento Realty-controlled JEG Realty is responding to the call of ESG by developing the JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the pioneering green, leadership in engineering and environmental design (LEED) Gold-certified office and retail high-rise development in Cebu City.
Marko Sarmiento, president of JEG Realty, outlined six sustainability features of JEG Tower @ One Acacia by putting more emphasis on the need to create healthier and more sustainable workspaces.
First, JEG Realty promotes green transportation. He said JEG Tower @ One Acacia stands at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly modes of transport among its occupants by allocating space for bike racks and parking spaces for Low-Emission Fuel-Efficient (LEFE) vehicles.
“All employees are encouraged to own a bike to live a healthier lifestyle and reduce carbon footprints,” Sarmiento said.
Moreover, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has also a green roof to provide office employees a relaxing space that features endemic flora and fauna, which can help bolster humidity levels to the 30%–60% range required for human health.
Sarmiento said JEG Tower @ One Acacia is pioneering the use of solar power in Cebu to limit the production of greenhouse gases and reduce operational costs. It also entered into a 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement with COREnergy for a Zero Cash-Out solar photovoltaics (PV) plant.
“The development utilizes a 40 kWp Solar PV System from over 100 pieces of Polycrystalline PV Modules installed on the building crown,” explained Sarmiento.
“JEG Tower @ One Acacia promises around 32% reduced water usage by employing a rainwater collection system and low plumbing fixtures. This can also reduce utility costs,” Sarmiento added.
It is also equipped with 100 percent backup power that can run 24-7.
Sarmiento pointed out JEG Tower @ One Acacia prioritizes proper waste disposal and recycling. It collects and stores waste materials for recycling, which are redirected back to the manufacturing process and appropriate reclamation sites.
Lower carbon footprint
Ayala Land Inc.’s mixed-use development project Arca South’s strategic location is attracting many locators from the different locations in Metro Manila as it will help in reducing the carbon footprint of the employees.
“As an office location, Arca South appeals to companies in many ways. After the pandemic, companies have increasingly considered the location of their offices vis-à-vis where employees live. Aside from being a low-density area, Arca South’s close proximity to the airport, key thoroughfares, and the residential areas of Taguig and Parañaque makes it an attractive option for occupiers,” Monica Gonzalez, Santos Knight Frank Director of Occupier Strategy and Solutions said.
Arca South recently launched the 14-story grade A office building called Manta Corporate Plaza. Manta will host 12 floors of office and two levels of retail spaces, including 5 basement parking floors, with a building management capable of supporting 24/7 operations.
Gonzalez said Manta Corporate Plaza, developed by Manta Equities Inc. will be a modern adaptation of the “Bahay Na Bato.”