JLL, a prominent real estate and investment management firm, has partnered with Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, to achieve a significant sustainability milestone for Mashreq’s global headquarters. The 38,484 sqm headquarters in Downtown Dubai has been awarded the LEED Zero Carbon certification by the US Green Building Council. This certification acknowledges the building’s achievement of net-zero carbon emissions through sustainable design and operations, based on performance metrics over the past year. The building achieved net-zero status by avoiding or offsetting carbon emissions from operational energy and occupant transportation, resulting in a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) balance of zero.
This new accolade follows the LEED Zero Energy certification awarded to Mashreq’s headquarters last year for its efforts in achieving net-zero resources in energy, water, and waste. In 2022, the headquarters also received the LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Gold certification.
“Having earned multiple LEED Zero certifications, Mashreq’s Global Headquarters is a model of environmental stewardship and reinforces the bank’s position as a sustainability champion in the UAE and the wider MENA region. Harnessing the potential of leading renewable energy technologies and innovations in design integration, JLL is working with Mashreq to fulfil its net-zero goals and position it for long-term success through a compelling carbon emissions reduction strategy. As the social impact of green buildings becomes evident, we look forward to seeing more projects achieving LEED Zero certifications and making net zero goals a reality in the region,” said Darren Denikiewicz, Head of Engineering & Energy, Project & Development Services UAE at JLL.
Bassem Fekry Farid, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Real Estate & Administration at Mashreq, commented: “Achieving the prestigious LEED Zero Carbon certification for our Global Headquarters is a testament to the significant strides that Mashreq has made in meeting global sustainability standards. Furthermore, it highlights our commitment to a sustainable future.”Moreover, as we move towards a low-energy, reduced carbon footprint future, the transparent tracking of energy use and reliance on renewables aligns with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 agenda.”
Through our partnership with JLL’s energy and engineering services, we remain committed to fulfilling our carbon neutrality goals and scaling our impact to assure an enhanced quality of life for our employees, tenants, and the wider community.”
Leveraging JLL’s sustainability expertise, Mashreq’s headquarters has committed to offset its carbon emissions for three years until 2027. To achieve this, Mashreq has purchased Renewable Energy Certificates that are Green-e Energy certified, equivalent to the electricity consumed. Additionally, they have acquired Green-e Climate certified carbon offsets for non-electricity emissions from chilled water consumption and transportation.
LEED certification, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and carbon- and cost-saving green buildings. Consequently, it sets a standard for sustainable development worldwide. LEED Zero represents the highest level of achievement within the LEED certification program and sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the region.
