Latest news with #U.S.GreenBuildingCouncil
Malay Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Plaza 66's Pavilion Extension Tops Out, Opening in Second Half of 2026
Expanding Retail Space by 13% to Boost the New Consumption Economy in Shanghai The Pavilion Extension at Plaza 66 has topped out on schedule and will expand the mall's retail space by 13% based on leasable floor area Artist's impression of Plaza 66 Pavilion Extension Notes to Editor – Facts of Plaza 66, Shanghai Opening year Phase 1 (Mall and Office Tower 1): 2001 Phase 2 (Office Tower 2): 2006 Phase 3 (Pavilion Extension): Second half of 2026 Total gross floor area Phase 1 and 2: 213,255 square meters Mall: 53,700 square meters Office towers: Approx. 160,000 square meters Phase 3 (Pavilion Extension): 3,080 square meters above ground Number of retail brands More than 145 Phase 1: More than 120 Phase 3: Approximately 25 Sustainability awards and features Phase 1 and 2 "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design V4.0 Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance – Platinum certification" by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2022 "WELL V2 Core Platinum certification" by the International WELL Building Institute in 2022 100% use of renewable energy since April 2024 Phase 3 Nearly 100% use of low carbon emissions steel for all above ground structural steel (to be manufactured into columns and beams) and reinforcement bars, marking the first commercial real estate project in mainland China and achieving 35% reduction in the steel's embodied carbon compared to conventional steel alternatives Architect and interior design consultant Phase 1 to 3: Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) HONG KONG SAR & SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 June 2025 - Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the "Company" or "Hang Lung") has achieved a major construction milestone and topped out its Plaza 66 Pavilion Extension in Shanghai. This low-rise, standalone building will expand the complex's retail space by 13% based on leasable floor area, adding a total of 3,080 square meters above ground. The project is set for completion in mid-2026 and opening in the second half of the Pavilion Extension, i.e., Phase 3 of Plaza 66's development, will be seamlessly connected to the existing mixed-use complex which consists of a luxury mall and two premium office towers, currently covering a total gross area of 213,255 square meters of office and retail space in Shanghai's vibrant Jing'an District. The Pavilion Extension also includes around 3,850 square meters of public space along Nanyang Road, enhancing placemaking and creating a vibrant urban destination connecting the 66, distinguished by its unparalleled luxury offerings and positioning, is being expanded to cater to the evolving tastes of discerning consumers who are increasingly prioritizing personalized and exceptional experiences. New concepts of retail, dining, wellness and lifestyle, as well as event spaces will be introduced to the Pavilion Extension, further strengthening its appeal as a top-tier lifestyle destination."This topping out represents a major step in our development strategy in mainland China, which is designed to address new consumption trends and overwhelming interest from retailers seeking to establish a presence at Plaza 66," said Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director – Mainland Business Operation of Hang Lung Properties. "We are also committed to curating novel experiences that blend emotional engagement with authentic cultural resonance, thereby supporting Shanghai's urban renewal and development as an international consumption city as we continuously upgrade our portfolio. Through the extended Plaza 66, along with our other iconic property in Shanghai, Grand Gateway 66, we strengthen our retail leadership as the Pulse of the City by delivering world-class experiences that capture Shanghai's vibrant spirit."Hashtag: #HangLung #Plaza66 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Plaza 66, Shanghai Plaza 66 is a landmark mixed-use development located in Shanghai's prestigious Nanjing Road West business district, with a total gross floor area of over 210,000 square meters. The complex features a high-end mall and two Grade A office towers. The mall houses over 120 leading international brands and a diverse array of dining establishments. Its Phase 3 expansion, currently under construction, will add 13% more retail space based on leasable floor area and is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. The office towers host approximately 100 tenants, including the China headquarters of renowned multinational corporations in consumer goods, professional services, and finance, as well as leading domestic enterprises. About Hang Lung Properties Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With premium positioning under the '66' brand, the Company's mixed-use developments in Mainland have established their leading position as the 'Pulse of the City'. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities. At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AGI Denim's Apparel Park: A LEED Platinum Pioneer in Sustainable Denim Manufacturing
AGI Denim's new Apparel Park is setting a powerful example of how large-scale production can be reimagined to lower environmental impact while supporting worker wellbeing, as sustainability continues to reshape global manufacturing. The state-of-the-art facility in Karachi, Pakistan, has already earned top sustainability credentials, including LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, one of the highest honors in green building worldwide. 'LEED certifications evaluate buildings on a range of sustainability measures, including energy and water efficiency, carbon emissions and material use. Platinum status, which is the highest level achievable, reflects strong performance across all categories. Our Apparel Park's LEED Platinum certification demonstrates leadership in sustainability as we drive greater accountability across the industry,' said Henry Wong, vice president of product development and marketing at AGI Denim. More from Sourcing Journal Polartec® Alpha™ Celebrates 13 Years of Game-Changing Active Insulation Hyosung Transitioning Bio-Based Spandex Feedstock from Corn to Sugar The RAW Edition by US Denim Mills Brings Nature's Unfiltered Spirit to Life Part of what distinguishes AGI Denim's Apparel Park is its early-stage planning and integration of sustainable design practices. The facility is situated in an urban area, which encourages public transit, cycling and walkability, choices that help limit employee transportation-related emissions. Additionally, about 40 percent of the site is devoted to green space, which aids in rainwater management and supports local ecosystems. Water conservation has also been a focus. In fact, the facility has reduced its freshwater use by an estimated 30 to 35 percent by incorporating a combination of low-flow fixtures, drip irrigation systems and gray water reuse strategies. On the energy front, the vertical denim manufacturer reports that 30 percent of Apparel Park's power comes from renewable sources, including biomass and photovoltaic energy, the process of converting sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. Inside the facility, attention to worker health is visible in features like improved air quality, access to natural light and use of non-toxic building materials. These elements align with an industry-wide shift toward prioritizing both environmental and human well-being in manufacturing spaces. As part of its commitment to employee well-being, AGI Denim also introduced a childcare unit and dispensary facility at the Apparel Park. AGI Denim has also looked beyond its own operations, developing solutions in collaboration with regional and global partners. For example, the Apparel Park aligns with frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko-Tex. 'While certifications like LEED Platinum signal progress, they also raise questions about scalability and accessibility across the industry. Apparel Park serves as a case study in how denim manufacturing can evolve, but whether this model can be adopted more broadly across different geographies and economic contexts remains to be seen,' said Wong. 'Still, as brands and suppliers navigate mounting pressure to decarbonize, facilities like Apparel Park illustrate what's currently possible and where challenges still lie.' To learn more about AGI Denim and its Apparel Park, click here.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
RGIA's expanded terminal bags award for sustainable design
The newly expanded Integrated Passenger Terminal at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) was awarded the LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, placing it among the world's top-ranked airport terminals for sustainability. The certification, awarded under the 'LEED v4 Building Design and Construction: New Construction and Major Renovations' category, is the highest level of recognition in the globally recognised green building rating system. The terminal, operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), earned 84 points, acknowledging its leadership in sustainable design and performance, said a release. The expansion added over 3,79,000 square metres of built-up area, incorporating sustainability into every phase, from planning and design to construction and operations. Further, the terminal prioritises resource optimisation by using regionally sourced construction materials with high recycled content. Smart operational enhancements like paperless e-boarding, self-baggage drop facilities, and an intelligent Building Management System contribute to reduced energy usage and improved indoor air quality, the release added.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators. rsmith@
Chicago Tribune
30-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators.
