Latest news with #USGBC
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Swatchbox Launches Second Life Samples™ to Help AEC Firms Reduce Material Sample Waste by Up to 90%
ELGIN, Ill., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swatchbox, the leading material sample platform for architects and designers, has introduced a first-of-its-kind circular sampling program that has shown a reduction in material sample waste by up to 90% in participating architecture and design firms. The program, called Second Life Samples™, facilitates the take-back and reuse of material samples from architecture and design firms, diverting usable materials from landfills and placing them back into circulation for use by other building professionals. Since its launch in 2018, Swatchbox has provided free return services for samples ordered from the Swatchbox platform. The launch of Second Life Samples expands this service to include any material samples in complete, undamaged condition, whether they came from Swatchbox or somewhere else. This opens the door for firms to sustainably recirculate any material stored in their sample libraries that they no longer need for reference. Returned samples are analyzed and graded using a proprietary process that includes an AI visual engine to assess material condition and assign identifying information such as brand name, product line, and SKU. Once processed, the samples are stocked in Swatchbox fulfillment centers and made available on the Swatchbox platform for use by other architects and designers, restoring their value and diverting them from landfills. Unlabeled, discontinued, or lightly worn samples are made available to students and educators. Any material that is not recoverable due to damage is then processed through Swatchbox recycling partners. Swatchbox has completed a private beta of the program with key architecture and design partners in the U.S. and the U.K., including Gensler, Perkins + Will, Dewberry, and other practices. "For the first time, AEC professionals have a responsible, circular solution for the piles of color swatches, carpet squares, roof tiles, hardware kits, and other samples that end up cluttering their studios without any pathway to recycle or reuse them," said Jenni Betancourt, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Dewberry. "With the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program, we've eliminated sample waste almost entirely from our offices." "At Swatchbox, we're architects first, and we're reshaping how the industry thinks about material sampling," said Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Swatchbox parent Anguleris. "Second Life strikes at a problem we know well: waste. Today, we're closing the loop on the sampling problem. Architects can now design smarter, move faster, and build a better world without sacrificing sustainability for innovation." Participation in the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program can contribute to AEC firms' progress toward sustainability certifications, such as LEED (USGBC), AIA 2030 Commitment, Living Building Challenge, and WELL Building Standard. The Second Life Samples program is open to Swatchbox firm partners throughout the U.S. and U.K. To learn more about the program and to apply to participate, visit About SwatchboxSwatchbox®, an Anguleris® brand, is the leading global platform for architects and designers to discover and request material samples—faster and more sustainably than ever before. With an expansive selection of samples for both interior and exteriors, lightning-fast shipping, and the most comprehensive sample reuse program in the world, Swatchbox is redefining material discovery and selection in the AEC industry. Architects and designers can explore Swatchbox at or download the Swatchbox Mobile App at Media ContactUpSpring646.722.8146anguleris@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Swatchbox Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Masdar City: A proven blueprint for sustainable urban development earns LEED platinum
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Masdar City has reinforced its position as the UAE's pioneering sustainable urban community with the award of the prestigious LEED Communities Platinum Certification for its Phase 1 project, under development. Masdar City was recognized in the LEED v4.1 Communities Plan & Design category, and it is the first time this certificate has been given to a project in Abu Dhabi. The award acknowledges Masdar City's commitment to exceeding rigorous sustainability standards for its development and buildings. The achievement further reinforces Masdar City's reputation as a world-class, climate-resilient community that is attracting a growing number of tenants drawn to its innovative and collaborative environment. "The international recognition achieved by Masdar City is evidence of the success of our sustainable development approach and reflects the efforts made toward establishing the community as a sustainability hub,' said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director Sustainable Development from Masdar City. 'Our vision is to inspire cities to transform into more liveable, resilient, and sustainable places, based on innovation and collaboration while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Our ambition for 2025, the year of community, is to enhance the experience of our people and our businesses while protecting the natural environment, revolutionising the way cities and communities are planned, developed, and operated.' 'At Masdar City we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of innovation for a more sustainable future, and the awarding of the LEED Platinum Certificate is a recognition of that,' said Gaurish Wagle, Manager, Sustainable Master Planning at Masdar City. 'We are determined to be a world leader in sustainable urban living and are doing so by meeting the highest standards, as this certificate proves.' Masdar City has established a reputation for setting the standard on sustainable urban development, excelling in master planning and integrating advanced green infrastructure, renewable energy, and low-carbon mobility solutions into its urban design. Phase 1 of the master plan not only met but surpassed LEED's strict performance standards across critical areas such as land use, transportation, energy systems, and community health. The LEED for Communities rating system, certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), evaluates the long-term sustainability and liveability of neighbourhoods and urban developments. The Plan & Design rating system evaluates community-scale master plans before construction, ensuring that critical elements like natural systems and ecology, quality of life, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, air quality, mobility, and community engagement are prioritized. This new award further builds upon a strong track record of LEED certifications, Masdar City is home to dozens of LEED-rated buildings, including one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, as well as several with LEED Operations & Maintenance (O+M) certifications.
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
US Green Building Council launches new LEED rating system
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building programme. LEED v5 builds on the 25-year legacy and global impact of LEED, updating and strengthening the most widely recognised, influential sustainability standard for the building industry while providing user-friendly tools for building owners and teams to pursue certification through enhanced technology updates, a statement said. "Since its public launch 25 years ago, LEED has profoundly impacted millions of people in cities and communities around the world,' said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC. 'LEED v5 raises the bar, further defining and evolving best practices and giving stakeholders across the building industry clear pathways to address today's challenges to our health, climate, and communities.' Meeting today's challenges The newest version of the LEED standard was developed with input from thousands of green building professionals to respond to today's most pressing challenges and the significant opportunities at the intersection of sustainability and buildings. LEED v5 focuses on impact areas that touch decarbonization, human and ecological health and resilience. The new version further defines what it means to be a high-performance building today, creating even greater investment potential. Decarbonisation accounts for half of all points for LEED v5 certification to confront current climate needs. The new rating system provides clear, actionable steps to deliver ultra-low-carbon buildings by targeting emissions reductions across all aspects of the building lifecycle, including operations, embodied carbon, refrigerants, and transportation. All LEED v5 projects will complete an operational carbon projection and will be given tools to craft a comprehensive, long-term decarbonisation strategy, creating pathways for sustainable transformation. Quality of life credits focus on human-centric strategies that address the health and well-being of occupants and the communities in which buildings are located. Global demand for healthier and greener spaces has grown in recent years, with occupants increasingly demanding more transparency and accountability around sustainability and health in the built environment. Resilience is another major theme across the rating system, addressing both human and natural systems to strengthen communities. All LEED v5 projects will complete climate resilience assessments to enhance awareness of hazards, increase transparency of risks, reduce vulnerabilities and ensure long-term safety and sustainability. These assessments equip projects to conserve and restore ecosystems, mitigate risks, and minimize business disruptions while protecting asset value—contributing to economic prosperity and safety across communities. Once projects conduct their assessments, LEED v5 offers a variety of strategies that can be incorporated at every stage of the building lifecycle to reduce risk and enhance resilience. 'Investors, owners, occupants, and policymakers are asking for high-performing buildings that reduce emissions, mitigate climate risk, provide healthy, productive spaces, positively impact communities, and protect natural systems,' said Sarah Zaleski, chief products officer of USGBC. 'LEED v5 provides the best practices and accountability to drive performance across all these dimensions, delivering tangible benefits to building owners and their stakeholders.' A sound investment LEED-certified assets are proven to drive return on investment and greater future earning potential. Notably, LEED buildings achieve a 21.4% higher average market sales price per square foot over non-LEED buildings; average 11% higher rent rates; attract more favorable and stable financing options; and reduce water, energy and waste by more than 20%. These environments also result in healthier and more productive employees and occupants. "For more than two decades, LEED has played a critical role in transforming the real estate sector at a global scale by bridging the gap between sustainability and commercial value,' Anica Landreneau, senior principal and director of sustainability, HOK. 'It has empowered organizations to develop high-performance buildings that significantly reduce environmental impacts and provide healthier, more resilient spaces for occupants, while also supporting the achievement of business goals." A sustainability story for every project LEED is the most widely used and globally recognised leadership certification that helps building owners clearly articulate their sustainability commitment and achievement, which is verified through rigorous third-party certification. All projects certified under LEED v5 will receive impact reports to communicate their strategies and performance to internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the new project priorities category allows customization of LEED to meet the unique opportunities across all global regions and market sectors. LEED provides the necessary transparency and integrity for a project's certification, ensuring project teams deliver on design plans and goals. The standard drives additional accountability tied to project-specific goals and gives building owners the proof points to successfully meet goals and proudly articulate those outcomes. 'LEED v5 represents a bold step forward in transforming the built environment,' said Grace Kwok, chief sustainability strategist, AEC Capital Limited. 'It emphasises climate resilience, recognizing the need to adapt our built environment to a changing climate. We have the privilege to complete the first LEED v5 project in Asia, with ICC (International Commerce Centre) setting a new benchmark and leading the charge for innovation and excellence in green buildings.' LEED v5 was developed with the help and support of USGBC's vast global ecosystem of knowledgeable members and volunteers. In 2024, USGBC held two public comment periods, receiving more than 7,000 comments from LEED users worldwide that informed the final version of the rating system. USGBC members ratified the new version earlier this year, providing a final endorsement of the new rating system.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates NBD Group secures record 25 LEED Platinum certifications
Ranked #1 global bank for number of LEED Platinum Branches - new achievement reinforces Emirates NBD's global leadership in LEED Emirates NBD Group recognised as the top organisation across both commercial and retail sectors in the Middle East for LEED Platinum ID+C 2025 is the 25th Anniversary of LEED - President and CEO of U.S. Green Building Council and Green Building Certification Inc. visits Dubai, UAE to celebrate Emirates NBD's significant milestone Dubai, UAE: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, further solidifies its global leadership in sustainable building practices by securing 25 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certifications in March 2025, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of LEED. This remarkable achievement positions Emirates NBD as the top organisation across both the commercial and retail sectors in the Middle East, with the most Platinum projects certified under the LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), underscoring the bank's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and pioneering of green building, and aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. To mark this significant milestone, Emirates NBD hosted an 'Advancing Green Building Leadership Together' event, with special guest Peter Templeton, President and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Co-hosted by Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer, Emirates NBD and Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG, Emirates NBD, the event brought together leaders from government, real estate, and sustainability organisations, providing a platform for insightful discussion on the future of sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings, both globally and within the UAE. Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer, Emirates NBD, said: "At Emirates NBD, sustainability is a cornerstone of our operations and strategy. In 2020, Emirates NBD was the first bank in the region to receive LEED Certification and we have since persevered to be the industry pioneer in green buildings. This month we have achieved 25 LEED Platinum certifications reaffirming our commitment to environmental leadership and positioning Emirates NBD as the top organisation for LEED Platinum ID+C in the Middle East and the #1 global bank for LEED Platinum Branches. This milestone reflects our alignment with the UAE's vision for a greener, more sustainable future." Peter Templeton, President and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), said: "The 25th anniversary of LEED marks a pivotal moment in the global green building movement as USGBC finalises the latest version of LEED - v5 - and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Emirates NBD, an industry and sustainability leader. Their multiple LEED Platinum certifications demonstrate their commitment to corporate leadership, environmental responsibility, healthy workplaces and thriving communities.' The LEED framework, developed by USGBC, is the most widely-used green building rating system, recognised for implementing sustainable strategies including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, transportation and human experience. It provides a framework for healthy, highly-efficient and cost-saving sustainable buildings and has gained global recognition for its comprehensive approach to evaluating and certifying sustainable building practices. Emirates NBD Group was the Principal Banking Partner for the 28th Edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, UAE in 2023 and is a key contributor to the UAE's Sustainability Agenda. The Group is a signatory to the UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge initiated by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in support of the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Initiative. -Ends- About Emirates NBD Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st December 2024, total assets were AED 997 billion, (equivalent to approx. USD 271 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 848 branches and 4,601 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 3.87 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water. For further information on Emirates NBD, please contact: Ibrahim Sowaidan Senior Vice President Head - Group Corporate Affairs Emirates NBD e-mail: ibrahims@ Burson Dubai, UAE Email: emiratesnbd@
Khaleej Times
19-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE green building push gains momentum with new sustainability standards
The UAE is strengthening its position as a global leader in sustainable real estate, with progressive policies accelerating the adoption of green building practices, an industry expert has said. "The UAE has set an exceptional example, with progressive policies supporting green buildings," said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI). "The country's 2030 sustainability goals and 2050 Net Zero commitments provide a clear framework for developers," he added. However, he noted that achieving Net Zero would require a shift beyond individual building certifications to broader, community-driven initiatives. With over 2,500 LEED professionals, the UAE has the expertise to drive large-scale sustainable transformation. Rapid urbanisation across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region has made sustainability a priority for real estate development. Founded in 1993, the USGBC is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable building design and operations. It developed LEED, the world's most widely used green building certification system, which sets stringent standards for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. In 2024, the UAE ranked fifth globally for LEED-certified projects outside the US, with more than 130 developments covering three million square metres. The latest version, LEED v5, introduces stricter accountability measures, requiring developers to assess greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks and human health impacts. "For over 25 years, LEED-certified buildings have led the way in reducing inefficiencies, waste and emissions," Templeton said. "LEED v5 provides a structured pathway towards ultra-low carbon buildings, addressing not just operational emissions but also embodied carbon in materials." The framework enhances decarbonisation efforts, ecosystem restoration and resilience strategies while ensuring long-term asset value. "It's a game-changer for developers seeking to align with ESG goals while maintaining commercial viability," he added. While government policies have played a key role in driving green building adoption in the UAE, Templeton emphasised the need for greater private sector involvement. "Globally, private investment has been a major force in sustainable construction, yet in the UAE, the public sector has taken the lead," he said. "The challenge now is ensuring developers and investors fully integrate sustainability into their business strategies." A key concern remains cost. "Sustainable buildings can be delivered at or below traditional costs while offering long-term financial benefits," Templeton explained. "The industry must rethink how efficiencies are incorporated into project budgets." Beyond individual projects, USGBC recently launched PERFORM, a programme designed to track and enhance sustainability across entire real estate portfolios. Unlike traditional certification models, PERFORM provides continuous assessment and goal setting. "It bridges the gap between corporate sustainability targets and real-world results," Templeton said. "With rising ESG demands, organisations in the region now have a way to measure and improve sustainability at scale." The financial sector is also playing a key role in accelerating the transition through green bonds and sustainability-linked loans (SLLs), which incentivise LEED-certified projects. In 2023, Mena issued $24 billion in green and sustainability-linked bonds - a 155 per cent increase from 2022, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the market. "As sustainable finance grows, developers are leveraging these tools to integrate high-performance sustainability measures," Templeton said. "Banks are offering incentives such as interest rate reductions and higher loan proceeds for LEED-certified developments," he added.
