There is a big shift toward sustainability. Tenants in search of commercial space for lease are leaning towards green buildings with strong environmental and ethical values.
NEO has been centered on providing a healthy office for its tenants. Through this advocacy, NEO provides tenants with seven certified green office buildings in BGC. The building owner, manager, and developer is the first in the world to receive an EDGE Zero Carbon Certification from the Green Business Certification Inc. This signifies that its premium office spaces for lease are sustainable and future-ready.
A Growing Demand for Green Office Buildings
The demand for green office spaces did not materialize overnight. Property developers and building tenants gained a greater awareness of climate change and a better understanding of how green buildings prioritize energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and responsible resource management.
Other benefits of green buildings include:
- Better indoor air quality due to the use of natural materials in building construction
- Reduced energy costs because of natural lighting design and energy-efficient lighting systems
- Enhanced employee performance in an office space that prioritizes tenant health and well-being
- Improved corporate social responsibility through compliance with environmental regulations and stakeholder interests
- Reduced carbon footprint due to eco-friendly project development and building operations
Previously just a nice-to-have feature in commercial spaces for lease, sustainability is now a non-negotiable necessity for tenants.
Ton Zalamea, Senior Manager for Leasing of NEO, shared, “Companies opt for office spaces in green buildings not just because it’s mandated by their global parent companies but also as a proactive commitment to the environment. It’s a practical choice, demonstrating their dedication to sustainability and a better future for everyone.”
Sustainability Features for Future-Ready Offices
NEO understands that green initiatives are the right positioning for long-term success for the planet as well as for profit. For this reason, its sustainable office buildings in BGC meet the criteria for reducing environmental impact, improving employee productivity, and promoting tenant wellness. These buildings include One/NEO, Two/NEO, Three/NEO, Four/NEO, Five/NEO, Six/NEO, Seven/NEO.
As the first developer to contract renewable energy for office buildings, NEO was inspired to provide a 100% renewable energy source for all seven buildings in its portfolio. The developer has also received BERDE 5-Star Certification for each of these buildings because of:
- The implementation of sustainable design elements and green building operations
- Initiatives and activities that nurture tenant connection, health, and wellness
- Dedication to continual management improvement
NEO is the first office portfolio in Southeast Asia to earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating, which guarantees the safety of the buildings for stakeholders, tenants, and visitors. Additionally, it achieved Net Zero Operational Carbon Goal in 2021 — four years ahead of the original 2025 timeline.
The developer understands that sustainability involves all aspects of business and benefits both people and the planet. It looks after its community with a framework that encompasses five key focus areas:
- Health, Safety, and Well-being: Thermal and visual comfort, inclusive design, emergency preparedness, indoor environment quality, biophilic design, active design, and community engagement
- Climate Action: Net Zero Carbon Goal, waste management and segregation, and the promotion of climate action
- Resource Efficiency: Green procurement, recycling, conscious consumption of materials, energy efficiency and conservation, and water efficiency and conservation
- Infrastructure Resilience: Physical integrity and operational continuity
- Governance: Internal governance, compliance with laws and regulations, business ethics, employee training and development, workforce diversity and equal opportunity, and sustainability advocacy promotion
Together, these key focus areas align with NEO’s business responsibilities and address the three sustainability pillars — social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Over the years, NEO has remained consistent as a leading green developer in the Philippines. It places great value on its tenants, their well-being, and the environment, resulting in a portfolio of certified green buildings that tenants look for in commercial spaces for rent.
These buildings are future-ready properties that address the sustainability and wellness requirements of tenants. Learn more on Lamudi.
