JLL and Mashreq Achieve LEED Zero Carbon Certification for Global Headquarters
JLL, a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate, investment management, and development consultancy services, and Mashreq, a premier financial institution in the MENA region, have achieved a significant sustainability milestone by attaining LEED Zero Carbon certification for Mashreq's global headquarters.
The Mashreq Global Headquarters, spanning 38,484 sqm in Downtown Dubai, received the LEED Zero Carbon certification from the US Green Building Council. This certification recognizes the building's achievement of net-zero carbon emissions and its commitment to energy efficiency through sustainable design and operations. Over the past 12 months, the headquarters has avoided or offset carbon emissions from its operational energy and occupant transportation, resulting in a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) balance of zero.
This new accolade follows previous recognitions for the Mashreq Global Headquarters, including the LEED Zero Energy certification in 2023 for addressing net-zero resources such as energy, water, and waste, and the LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Gold certification in 2022.
"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," said Darren Denikiewicz, Head of Engineering & Energy, Project & Development Services UAE at JLL. "Harnessing the potential of leading renewable energy technologies and innovations in design integration, JLL is working with Mashreq to fulfill its net-zero goals and position it for long-term success through a compelling carbon emissions reduction strategy."
Bassem Fekry Farid, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Real Estate & Administration at Mashreq, stated, "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. 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."
To sustain this achievement, Mashreq Global HQ has committed to offsetting its carbon emissions until 2027. This includes purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates that are Green-e Energy certified, equivalent to the electricity consumed, and Green-e Climate certified carbon offsets for non-electricity emissions from chilled water consumption and transportation.
LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership, offering a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings. LEED Zero represents the latest and highest category under the LEED certification program, marking a new level of achievement in the region.
