The environmental certifications They enable an objective assessment of how a space functions and provide certification of compliance with stringent criteria relating to energy efficiency, responsible water management, the use of sustainable materials and indoor environmental quality.
PRIMEWORK, A Spanish family office that focuses its activities on commercial and office properties situated in strategic locations – where build quality, design, technology and sustainability are key elements – placed its trust in us as consultants to demonstrate their compliance with one of the most internationally recognised property sustainability standards.
What did PRIMEWORK need?
The company set out to certify the sustainable performance of its own corporate headquarters at Serrano 89, in Madrid. The aim was to apply the same criteria to its offices as those it uses in the selection and management of its portfolio: efficiency, resilience, comfort and the ability to adapt to an increasingly demanding environment.
PRIMEWORK recognises that a property must retain its appeal and competitiveness over time. To achieve this, it is not enough simply to have a good location or high-quality materials. It is also necessary to have efficient systems, responsible operating policies and spaces capable of meeting the evolving needs of individuals and businesses.
In work of this kind, one must provide support throughout the the technical and administrative process required to obtain LEED Platinum certification.
Be part of the an analysis of the property’s condition and a review of the requirements applicable to the LEED scheme, aimed at assessing the operation and maintenance of existing spaces.
Based on this assessment, data from the evaluation period is collected and analysed. The process involves reviewing consumption patterns, internal policies, technical systems, and procurement and maintenance documentation, with the aim of identifying measures to improve environmental, operational and health performance.
The main areas covered by a certification of this kind are:
- Mobility and accessibility, promoting more sustainable transport options.
- Water efficiency, through solutions designed to save energy, monitor and track consumption.
- Energy efficiency, checking the lighting, air-conditioning and ventilation systems.
- Materials and waste management, incorporating principles of responsible procurement and the circular economy.
- Indoor environmental quality, including measures relating to ventilation, air quality, sustainable cleaning, smoke-free spaces and integrated pest management.
The result was the award of LEED Platinum certification, with particularly strong scores in energy performance, indoor environmental quality and waste management. The final assessment recognised, amongst other measures, procurement and maintenance policies, compliance with minimum air quality requirements, sustainable cleaning and integrated pest management.
The LEED scheme used at Serrano 89 focuses on the operation and maintenance of existing interior spaces. This means that the assessment is not limited to the original design or construction, but rather analyses how the property operates and is managed over a given period.
Among the benefits of achieving LEED certification For PRIMEWORK, the key benefit is a reduction in water and energy consumption, which can lead to lower operating costs, whilst measures relating to ventilation, air quality and the use of more sustainable materials promote healthier and more comfortable working environments.
Furthermore, certification helps the company strengthen the asset’s positioning by increasing its appeal to all stakeholders committed to sustainability, and contributes to preserving or increasing its market value.
In addition to all these benefits, there is the reputational impact for PRIMEWORK: having a certified facility allows the company to demonstrate its environmental commitment and showcase it to employees, customers and business partners.
Find out more about the sustainability certifications.
The corporate headquarters as an expression of the brand
Having one’s own office certified holds special significance. The head office is one of the places where a company can most directly demonstrate the consistency between what it communicates and the way in which it conducts its business.
In the case of PRIMEWORK, Serrano 89 serves as a tangible example of its property philosophy. The certification does not apply to a third-party asset or a project developed exclusively for a third party, but to the space that the organisation itself uses on a daily basis.
The office thus reflects a vision in which sustainability is not seen as an afterthought, but as a prerequisite for maintaining the value and relevance of the properties.
What is LEED certification?
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is one of the most widely recognised international certification schemes for sustainable buildings.
The standard was developed by the US Green Building Council and its certification programme is administered by Green Business Certification Inc.
LEED assesses various aspects of the building and awards a score based on compliance with its requirements. Depending on the number of points achieved, the project can be awarded Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum status.
Do you need advice on obtaining environmental certifications for buildings and property developments? Get in touch with us.