JLL achieves world first double platinum in building standards
JLL’s Shanghai office achieves highest score worldwide for LEED platinum status, in addition to existing WELL certification
Shanghai – JLL’s Shanghai office at HKRI Taikoo Hui has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification in the Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) category, setting a record high score in the process. This latest award means that the Shanghai office is the first project in the world to achieve platinum ratings for both LEED v4 and WELL v1, which are the highest standards in current operation.
As Eddie Ng, Managing Director for JLL East China, says: “In December 2017, JLL’s Shanghai office was the first building in Asia, and only the third in the world, to achieve WELL Certified™ Platinum status. The fact that we have now achieved the highest-scoring global LEED v4 ID+C platinum rating is further proof of how we continue to lead by example, and clearly demonstrates JLL’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.”
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED standard aims to promote environmental responsibility and efficient use of resources among building operators and owners. Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council adds: “Earning 92 points, JLL’s Shanghai office has received LEED Platinum certification and is the highest scoring LEED v4 ID+C project to date. This was achieved through thoughtful planning and a rigorous selection of sustainable strategies and materials. JLL is a global green building leader with an excellent track record including its Hong Kong office, which also achieved LEED Platinum certification in 2011."
The LEED certification system includes a range of categories for various building types, with JLL entering its Shanghai office in the ID+C category. The LEED certification panel assessed JLL’s Shanghai office based on seven factors: Location and Transportation, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, and Regional Priority.
The real estate consultancy’s Shanghai office includes smart systems such as dimmable LED lighting with daylight and occupancy sensors, and Energy Star-rated appliances to ensure energy efficiency. Electricity consumption was reduced by 41 per cent compared to the previous office, even though the new location is over 25 per cent larger. JLL also purchased Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a growing trend in China’s drive towards green energy, offsetting 50 per cent of the office’s greenhouse emissions for the next five years.
JLL set the goal of achieving LEED platinum status well before construction of the office began, knowing that adequate planning would be critical to success. The high score demonstrates the ability of JLL and its specialised energy and sustainability experts to assist clients in achieving their green initiatives and obtaining LEED recognition for their buildings. They have assisted multinationals such as Prudential, ARA and IKEA to improve their sustainability goals.
Winning globally recognized awards such as LEED and WELL for both its own offices and its clients’ properties demonstrates the commitment of the global leading real estate firm to pursue through its sustainability initiative, Building a Better Tomorrow. The initiative emphasises a greener approach within JLL’s offices and across its work with clients, by setting a global emission reductions target, as well as involving engagement with society through educational and volunteer work relating to environmental awareness.
Anthony Couse, CEO, JLL Asia Pacific, says: “This latest LEED Platinum certification shows that we walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. It demonstrates our commitment to creating a sustainable workplace that is healthy and productive for our clients and our people, and that puts human experience at its heart.”
About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.3 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of over 91,000 as of March 31, 2019. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.
About U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The USGBC was established in 1993 with a mission to promote sustainability-focused practices in the building industry. It is based on the principle of an open and balanced coalition spanning the entire building industry and for a green building rating system, which would later become LEED. Since the rating system’s unveiling in 2000, it has become an international standard for environmentally sound buildings, certifying hundreds of thousands of square feet per day.
About LEED
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building, community and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
