JLL, a prominent professional services firm specializing in real estate, investment management, and development consultancy, has achieved the esteemed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification for its newly established office situated at ICD Brookfield Place in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
This significant accomplishment underscores JLL’s dedication to establishing a new standard for sustainable, healthy, energy-efficient, and future-ready offices in the region, while advancing its own net-zero goals. The new office, inaugurated in March of this year, is designed to offer an inclusive, well-being-oriented workspace that caters to the evolving needs of both employees and clients.
In a noteworthy stride towards real estate carbon reduction and sustainability, JLL has achieved a 17% reduction in energy consumption compared to the ASHRAE baseline within the leased space. Energy conservation measures include lighting control systems for over 98% of the occupant space, energy-efficient HVAC systems with CO sensors, and ensuring that more than 90% of office equipment and appliances are Energy Star rated. Responsible sourcing of materials, with environmental product declarations, recycled content in fit-out, and enhanced systems commissioning, further contributed to increased energy savings.
The biophilic design of the office enhances the indoor environment, illustrating JLL’s industry-leading expertise in creating safe and healthy spaces that promote productivity, well-being, and sustainability.
Louise Collins, Head of Engineering & Energy MEA and Head of Project & Development Services, UAE at JLL, remarked, “By achieving LEED Platinum for our office, we’ve not only talked the talk but walked the walk, embodying the very principles of sustainability we champion. This milestone serves as solid proof of our commitment to leading by example, enhancing environments, and forging improved outcomes for every client we serve.”
James Allan, CEO MEA at JLL, stated, “Receiving the Platinum LEED Certification reflects our purpose of integrating sustainability across our operations to shape the future of real estate. JLL has a very ambitious net-zero roadmap, and as a company that holds itself to the highest standards of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), this accomplishment is a visible demonstration of our commitment to building a best-in-class real estate portfolio that is leading on energy efficiency, well-being, and inclusivity.”
JLL’s Dubai office has also incorporated best practices in forward-thinking design and construction adhering to the WELL Building Standard, the industry’s leading health-focused benchmark for buildings. The company, under its broader sustainability goals, aims to equip 100% of its workplaces with waste streaming and recycling programs by the end of 2023, while eliminating all single-use plastics from its office portfolio by 2023.
In collaboration with global entities like WiredScore, Ceres, the World Green Building Council (WGBC), various local Green Building Councils, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), JLL is actively engaged in climate action for sustainable real estate, healthy spaces, and inclusive communities. The company is on track to achieve net-zero carbon in operation in all JLL-occupied buildings by 2030, aligning with the WorldGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.
In 2022, JLL accomplished a 34% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its occupied offices from a 2018 base year. The company aims to reduce absolute scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 95% by 2040. As of 2022, JLL also supplied or sourced 29% of electricity across its global portfolio from renewable sources, with 54% of JLL offices greater than 10,000 sq. ft achieving green building certification. The company is working towards increasing this figure to 100% by 2030.
