BLL office aims for Gold Leed accreditation

The new Bovis Lend Lease (BLL) Middle East head office is on target for completion this month, said a senior official yesterday.

The office is seeking a Gold Leed accreditation.

"The decision to pursue a Gold Leed rating was made in accordance with the mandatory corporate BLL Global Climate Change Policy and the BLL Aspirations Document. The project faced a significant amount of challenges as the base building itself does not hold any independently assessed sustainability rating (such as Leed). However, it did not prevent Bovis from pursuing a Leed rating on our commercial fitout," said Elias McGrath, assistant project manager, BLL International, who was appointed to client manage the entire delivery.

The gold accreditation was sought to show BLL's intention to showcase a sustainable, high-performance, energy-efficient, healthy work environment, he said.

The design intention of BLL is to create a commercial interior that addresses sustainability, water efficiency, energy, atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.

"The challenges of implementing this concept to a fitout in a market, which is new to the understanding of sustainability, was evident but they were overcome by the efforts of all stakeholders who worked on this project. The learning process was absorbed from the building landlord, to material suppliers, to the labourers on site," said McGrath.

Paul Redstone, BLL's regional director, was the driving force behind the decision, he said. "He has supported and facilitated all aspects of the project's requirements from concept to delivery," said McGrath.

The project commenced in April. Gemaco Interiors was contracted as the main fitout contractor. The team was led by Joseph Charles, operations manager of Gemaco.

"The project team should be recognised for their contribution. They ensured no comprise was made on programme, budget and quality, and that all aspects towards achieving a Gold Leed accreditation were pursued and implemented," said McGrath. "Once the project is commissioned, we will submit an application to the USGBC in November to get the rating."


LEED COMPONENTS

- Public transportation access – metro rail

- Parking availability 

- Water use down 30% 

- Lighting power density reduced to 35% below standard

- Lighting controls – automatic dimming control system

- 90% of eligible equipment is Energy-Star rated

- 60% of interior non-structural components are reused

- 50% of construction waste diverted from disposal 

- 90% of spaces exposed to natural light

- 90% of spaces exposed to views

- Green education

- Furnishings made from renewable materials

- Energy-efficient light fittings 

- Dual flush toilets