JLL India’s Mumbai Office gets LEED Platinum Rating

Jones Lang LaSalle India's office at Lower Parel in Mumbai has achieved a rare distinction of being awarded (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) LEED Platinum certification. The office has been developed conforming to the highest green building standards, with the requisite green design features incorporated by the Firm's own sustainability team from the inception stage, according to a release.

On achieving the highest LEED certification, Anuj Puri, Chairman & Country Head, Jones Lang LaSalle India says, "This initiative was driven by two of our most fundamental priorities - providing an enhanced workplace experience to our people, and walking the talk on the Firm's commitment to sustainable real estate standards. Achieving the highest LEED certification for commercial premises was therefore a logical step.

 A sustainable office space is most likely to succeed in its objective if sustainable features are envisioned and incorporated right at the design stage. The design has to take into consideration the entire supply chain—from material sourcing, energy use, resource re-use, civic amenities and waste disposal to tenant education."

With a clear focus on providing a more conducive workplace environment for employees, these sustainability features have contributed significantly towards occupant’s comforts in terms of lighting, air quality and healthier workspaces. Also implied in LEED Platinum certification are the highest possible optimization of electricity and water use without in any way compromising the overall workplace experience.

Rajat Malhotra, COO – Integrated Facilities Management (West Asia) Jones Lang LaSalle India says, "We conceived our Mumbai office with the objective of achieving the highest LEED certification for commercial spaces in order to foster a sense of community, create a healthy indoor climate and provide enhanced comfort to our staff. Designing an office space on such lines goes a long way in the overall psychological well-being of those who work there."

Sustainable office premises provide better air quality, natural light and an optimal and pleasant indoor environment. Enhanced IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) for occupants are achieved by initiatives such as using less toxic interiors, low-emitting adhesives, paints, carpets and composite wood, illuminating 75–90% of the space with natural light, and increasing thermal comfort via zone controls for air conditioning and better ventilation.

These factors are most important in improving the quality of work life and the efficiency of occupiers. Cumulatively, they directly translate into improved productivity and decreased ailments for occupants. Contrary to the general view, platinum-rated buildings cost more but also offer attractive payback, while gold and silver-rated buildings cost the same standard buildings.