Why Green Certifications are Beneficial Long-Term

Sustainability in construction is more than just a trend—it’s the standard and beneficial. As the industry responds to growing climate and environmental concerns, certifications like LEED, EDGE, WELL and BERDE have become essential tools for building responsibly. These green certifications guide experts on how spaces are designed, built, and utilized—reducing environmental impact while creating healthier, more efficient environments for the people who live and work in them.

So what exactly do these certifications offer, and how can they benefit your property?  Let’s dive in.

What Are Green Building Certifications?

Green building certifications are third-party validation systems that assess and recognize a project’s sustainability and efficiency performance. They are designed to encourage best practices in energy use, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and sustainable site development.

Here are a few of the most widely recognized:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

  • Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is one of the most globally recognized certifications. It evaluates buildings on sustainability metrics such as energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and indoor environmental quality.

    
    

• EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)

  • Created by the International Finance Corporation, EDGE focuses on resource-efficient buildings, particularly in emerging markets. It promotes practical, cost-effective solutions for water, energy, and material efficiency.

    
    

• WELL Building Standard

  • While LEED focuses on the building’s environmental impact, WELL targets the health and wellness of the people inside. It addresses aspects like air and water quality, lighting, comfort, and mental well-being.

    
    

• BERDE and Other Local Certifications

  • Locally, certifications like the Philippines’ BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) also set sustainability standards based on the country’s unique environmental and social context.

    
    

Why Do These Certifications Matter?

1. Environmental Responsibility: Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions. Green certifications ensure that construction projects reduce their carbon footprint through smarter design, resource efficiency, and innovation.

   
   

2. Long-Term Cost Savings: Energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials lead to reduced operating costs. Certified buildings often consume significantly less energy and water, offering long-term financial benefits to owners and tenants.

   
   

3. Increased Property Value and Marketability: Green-certified properties are increasingly favored by investors, occupants, and buyers. Certification acts as a mark of quality and responsibility—making it easier to lease, sell, or finance projects.

   
   

4. Better Living and Working Spaces: Improved air quality, natural lighting, and sound design create healthier, more productive environments. WELL-certified buildings, in particular, are shown to improve occupant well-being and satisfaction.

   
   

5. Regulatory and Global Competitiveness: As environmental regulations become stricter, certified buildings stay ahead of compliance. Internationally, having a LEED or EDGE certification boosts credibility and competitiveness in global markets.

   
   

JCVA’s Role in Certification Success

At JCVA, we believe that sustainable construction isn’t just a goal—it’s our responsibility. From design to completion, we guide our clients through every step of the green building journey with tailored consultancy and project management services aimed at securing globally recognized certifications.

Our expertise in green developments—and active participation in the Philippine and U.S. Green Building Councils—allows us to provide forward-thinking strategies rooted in the latest sustainability standards. Whether you're aiming for LEED, WELL, BERDE, or EDGE certification, JCVA ensures your project is aligned with the highest benchmarks in environmental responsibility.

We don’t see sustainability as just a box to check—it’s the foundation for building better businesses and better communities.

Green building certifications are more than plaques on a wall—they’re proof of commitment to a better future that benefits those in it too. They validate the hard work, innovation, and intention behind building something that serves not just the present, but generations to come.

As part of our mission to build better businesses, JCVA continues to empower clients with the tools, knowledge, and support to create impactful, sustainable spaces—one certified project at a time.

Ready to future-proof your project with sustainable certification? Contact us at 📧 technical@jcvassociates.ph or visit 🌐 jcvassociates.ph to get started.

What's It Like Being a Woman at JCVA? We Asked.

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, women in construction are now more visible than ever. At JCVA, we take pride in highlighting the incredible impact that women have made on our projects, as well as the challenges they face. As more women break through the barriers and take on leadership roles, the construction industry is becoming more inclusive, diverse, and innovative.

Challenges Women Face in the Construction Industry

The construction industry has long been regarded as a male-dominated field, and while women have made significant strides, they still face many challenges. One of the most common struggles women encounter is the underestimation of their skills and capabilities. Women in construction are often given fewer opportunities to demonstrate their expertise, and their voices are sometimes overlooked.

For Kayenina Barroga, a Project Manager at JCVA, being a woman in construction means constantly proving her abilities in an environment where gender bias persists. She shares that women are frequently belittled, and their knowledge is often underestimated, despite the critical roles they play, particularly in ensuring their own security on site.

Overcoming Gender Bias

Despite these challenges, women in construction, including those at JCVA, have proven time and time again that they can thrive and excel in the industry. Shierly Tibon, the Quality and Compliance Department Manager at JCVA, reflects on what it means to be a woman in this field. She sees it as a testament to the resilience and strength of women breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated environment.

“Being a woman in construction means showing girl power and proving that women can lead and excel in the construction industry,” Shierly says.

At JCVA, we actively encourage women to take on leadership roles and provide opportunities for career advancement, including leadership development programs and mentorship. This support is critical in helping women build their careers and overcome the challenges they face in the field.

Women Making a Difference

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at JCVA is witnessing the success stories of women who have made a significant impact on our projects. Zara Cruz, JCVA’s Finance Officer, reflects on her personal journey in the construction industry. She views being a woman in this field as an opportunity to break barriers, challenge norms, and prove that women can thrive in any industry.

“I’m proud to be part of a company like JCVA that provides women the opportunity to take on leadership roles and encourages their growth,” Zara shares.

These women have not only contributed to the success of JCVA’s projects but have also helped change the narrative surrounding women in construction. They serve as role models to aspiring female professionals, proving that gender should never be a barrier to success in construction.

Support Systems and Mentorship

For women aspiring to join the construction industry, mentorship and support are essential. JCVA actively fosters an inclusive environment by encouraging women to connect with mentors—both within the company and outside of it. Shierly Tibon advises young women to seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support, helping them navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry.

“You need someone who can provide advice based on their experiences,” she says. “And connecting with other women in construction can be especially beneficial, as they can offer guidance on overcoming hurdles unique to women in this field.”

The Path Forward

As JCVA continues to expand, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Women in construction play an essential role in shaping the future of the industry, and JCVA’s efforts to support their growth and development reflect our belief in the power of diversity and inclusion.

Through leadership programs, mentorship, and a commitment to equal opportunity, JCVA is helping create a path forward for women in construction. We believe that by empowering women, we can continue to transform the construction industry into one that is more inclusive, equitable, and dynamic.

Ready to join the change? At JCVA, we are proud to lead the charge in creating an environment where women can succeed and thrive in the construction industry. If you're passionate about breaking barriers and making a difference, we invite you to join our team and be part of the change. To learn more, contact recruitment@jcvassociates.ph or visit careers.jcvassociates.ph.

How Tech Tools Help Teams Work Together in Construction

In today’s fast-paced construction industry, collaboration is key to project success. With tight deadlines, complex designs, and diverse teams often spread across different locations, seamless communication and teamwork are essential. Fortunately, technology has emerged as a powerful enabler of collaboration, reshaping how construction teams interact, plan, and execute projects. Here’s how technology is revolutionizing teamwork in the construction sector:

1. Project Management Software: Streamlining Tasks and Deadlines

Efficient project management is the backbone of any successful construction endeavor. Tools like Procore, Asana, and Trello enable teams to organize tasks, track progress, and manage deadlines in a centralized platform. By offering real-time updates and notifications, these tools ensure everyone is on the same page, reducing delays and misunderstandings.

With features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, and progress dashboards, these platforms empower project managers to allocate resources effectively and keep projects running smoothly.

2. Communication Platforms: Enhancing Real-Time Interactions

Clear communication is vital in construction, where even minor miscommunications can lead to costly errors. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom facilitate instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing, making it easier for teams to stay connected.

These tools are particularly valuable for coordinating between on-site and office-based teams, ensuring that updates, feedback, and decisions are relayed in real time. Virtual meetings also bridge geographical gaps, enabling stakeholders from different locations to collaborate seamlessly.

3. Document Sharing Tools: Centralized Access for Better Transparency

Gone are the days of printing blueprints or manually sharing documents. Tools like Google Workspace and Dropbox allow teams to store, access, and edit files collaboratively. This level of transparency ensures everyone is working with the most up-to-date information, minimizing the risk of errors caused by outdated data.

Document-sharing tools also improve accountability by tracking changes and maintaining version histories, making it easy to identify who made updates and when.

4. Collaborative Design Tools: Innovating the Design Process

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized design collaboration in the construction industry. BIM enables architects, engineers, and contractors to work together on a single, shared model that provides a 3D representation of the project.

This technology allows teams to identify potential design conflicts early, simulate construction processes, and explore design alternatives. By fostering collaboration during the design phase, BIM helps reduce rework and ensures smoother project execution.

5. Mobile Solutions: On-the-Go Collaboration

Construction sites are dynamic environments where real-time updates are crucial. Mobile apps like PlanGrid and Fieldwire empower on-site teams to access project plans, report issues, and share progress instantly.

These tools ensure that field personnel can communicate with office teams without delay, improving decision-making and keeping projects on schedule. With mobile technology, collaboration is no longer confined to the office; it happens wherever the project demands.

Conclusion

Technology has transformed how construction teams collaborate, making it easier to communicate, share information, and work together toward a common goal. From project management software to mobile solutions, these tools streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance productivity.

At JCVA, we leverage cutting-edge technology to foster collaboration and deliver exceptional results. By integrating innovative tools into our workflows, we ensure that every project benefits from seamless teamwork and efficient execution.

Ready to elevate your construction projects with the power of technology? Contact us today  technical@jcvassociates.ph or visit jcvassociates.ph to learn more!