Top 05 Design Strategies for Achieving LEED Certified Workspaces
The adoption of LEED certification is on the rise globally and is making strides in the commercial real estate industry. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. It sets a framework for sustainable building practices, ensuring that spaces are energy-efficient, water-conserving, and environmentally responsible.
According to the USGBC, there are over 197,000 LEED projects worldwide in 186 countries and territories. Approximately more than 29 billion square feet of built space around the globe is now LEED-certified. Moreover, a study by the World Green Building Council found that green buildings, including those with LEED certification, can lead to savings of 8-9% in operating costs within the first year and 15-17% over five years. Thus, the surge in LEED certification highlights a global shift towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible building practices.
LEED & Commercial Real Estate in India & Southeast Asia
For commercial real estate, LEED is not just about compliance but also about leading the market, driving innovation, and fostering healthier, more efficient built environments. LEED certified workplaces reflect a forward-thinking approach that aligns with global sustainability trends and regional advancements. Thus, in India and Southeast Asia, this push towards LEED certification is transforming commercial real estate, pioneering new ways to create workplaces that are healthier, more productive, and environmentally responsible.
Let’s have a look at some of the leading examples of LEED-certified workplaces in India and Southeast Asia.
India
• DLF Cybercity Hyderabad has become the nation’s first workplace to receive USGBC’s LEED Zero Waste Certification by successfully reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to divert at least 90% of waste from landfills and incineration.
• Asia’s largest aerospace and defense brand’s 400,000 sq. ft. Bengaluru office, designed and built by Zyeta, achieved LEED Platinum certification due to environmentally conscious design practices, sustainable sourcing and procurement, effective construction waste management, and more.
Singapore
• Singapore is one of the top 10 countries in the world with the most LEED activity. With close to 100 LEED projects and four million gross square meters of LEED space.
• Solaris at Fusionopolis in Singapore is a landmark LEED Platinum Certified green building known for its sustainable features, including a solar-responsive façade, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs.
Malaysia
• British American Tobacco’s head office in Malaysia has attained LEED certification by prioritizing energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, sustainable materials, and waste management, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate practices.
Having gained insight into the significance of LEED in the Indian and Southeast Asian commercial real estate market, let’s now explore strategies for designing in accordance with LEED parameters.
Design Strategies for LEED
01 Sustainable Materials
Potential LEED credits: 2-14
Minimize environmental impact by using recycled and locally sourced materials.
Actionable Insight:
• Source furniture and finishes with high percentages of recycled content, minimizing your environmental footprint and earning points under Materials and Resources.
• Reduce transportation emissions by prioritizing materials sourced from within your region, contributing to additional points under Materials and Resources.
02 Smart Building Technologies
Potential LEED credits: 1-19
Optimize energy use with occupancy sensors and building automation systems.
Actionable Insight:
• Lights and HVAC automatically adjust based on occupancy, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and earning points under Optimize Energy Performance.
• Implement a central system to monitor and optimize energy use across your entire workspace, leading to major points under Optimize Energy Performance.
03 Design for Flexibility and Adaptability
Potential LEED credits: May vary
Create a future-proof workspace with modular furniture and multi-functional spaces.
Actionable Insight:
• Invest in furniture that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changing needs.
• Design work areas that can serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for dedicated rooms and maximizing space utilization. This can contribute to points under various LEED categories like Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) and Innovation in Design.
04 Energy-Efficient HVAC
Potential LEED credits: 1-19
Upgrade your heating/cooling system with high-efficiency models and smart controls to save energy.
Actionable Insight:
• Invest in ENERGY STAR-rated HVAC systems that use less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures.
• Implement programmable thermostats and zoning systems to optimize heating and cooling based on occupancy and space usage. This can earn points under Optimize Energy Performance.
05 Water Efficiency
Potential LEED credits: 1-11
Conserve water with low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting for resourcefulness.
Actionable Insight:
• Install water-saving faucets, toilets, and showerheads – small changes that make a big difference, earning points under Water Efficiency.
• Capture rainwater for irrigation or toilet flushing, showcasing a commitment to resourcefulness. This can lead to major points under Innovation in Design.
In Conclusion
Adopting LEED certification for workplace design is more than a compliance measure; it’s a strategic move towards sustainability, efficiency, and enhanced employee well-being. By integrating energy-efficient systems, optimizing water usage, selecting sustainable materials, and improving indoor environmental quality, businesses can create healthier, more productive work environments that stand out in the competitive market.
Connect with Zyeta’s sustainability experts today to explore innovative LEED strategies tailored to your business. Contact us now to get started!
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As both an Architect and Architectural Journalist, he thrives on building unique content, with words and thoughts--as his brick and mortar. A natural-born explorer, he puts no limits on things he's passionate about diving into, be it cuisines, cultures or books. An avid fiction reader and a chronic over-thinker, he still finds enough time to be happy-go-lucky and easy to approach.
