A sustainable office property – what does an environmental certification mean for the tenant
The characteristics of an office property can have a significant impact on a company’s energy consumption, emissions, and environmental and sustainability reporting. Internationally recognised environmental certifications BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provide an independent framework for assessing the environmental performance of properties. The certifications assess aspects including energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, material choices, water use and environmental management practices. Sponda’s portfolio of properties in central Helsinki consists of BREEAM- and LEED-certified properties, with data such as energy, consumption and emissions data available to support tenants’ own sustainability reporting. In addition, the certifications provide transparent information on the environmental characteristics of properties and their ongoing development.
In addition to the commercial area, the office property provides the first contact with your company’s brand. The property’s architecture, history, facade details and quality of construction also create an image of the company operating within it. The office building also serves as a significant added value factor in the building of professional identity – it can be used to create professional pride, engage staff and attract new employees.
For all companies, the appearance of the office building does not matter so much. The most important thing is always how the interior spaces of a property meet the company’s needs and what kind of image they create.
If you want the office building to add value to your brand, start your search for premises by thinking about what kind of building your company would be. Would a creative factory environment, a historic high-value property or a modern new building be the best match for your company? Even historical properties can be renovated and furnished to create different spaces and modern working environment solutions that fit the company’s identity.
There are also fascinating, pre-branded offices on the market, which offer a novel opportunity to brighten your own brand identity. High-quality wellness services offered by an office building can also contribute to your brand building activities.
The environmental characteristics of office premises are an important part of many companies’ sustainability strategies and corporate image. Energy-efficient properties, transparent environmental data and sustainability-related services can support tenants in monitoring and reporting on their own sustainability targets. In addition, a landlord with expertise in sustainability can provide support on matters such as energy efficiency, environmental certifications and the use of sustainability data.
A high-level BREEAM or LEED environmental certification demonstrates that a property’s environmental performance has been assessed against the criteria of an independent certification system. These certifications assess aspects including energy efficiency, energy use, indoor environmental quality, material choices and environmental management. A well-designed office property can also provide facilities for waste sorting, electric vehicle charging and commuting by bicycle. Environmental data available for the property, such as energy, consumption and emissions data, can support the tenant’s own sustainability reporting and monitoring of its targets. The property’s environmental characteristics can also be complemented by environmental programmes, measures that support biodiversity, and support from environmental experts during the use and operation of the property.
Whether you need help choosing a property that supports your brand or want to explore buildings with varying identities.
Read our other guides to help you choose the right premises:
- Office rental process
What are the steps of the process and the timeframe for it? - Company’s strategic needs
How can facilities support a company’s brand and growth goals? - Need for space and size of office space
What size of office space is best for your business? - Use of premises
What kind of premises and operating methods promote the well-being and productivity of your staff? - Location of the premises
Why is location the most important thing in the choice of office premises? - Viewing the premises
What are the things to consider when viewing the premises? - Lease agreement
How is the price of the premises formed and what should be recorded in the lease agreement? - Lessor
How do you recognise a good, value-adding facility partner? - Move and occupation of the premises
How should the scheduling of the move and the division of responsibilities be handled?
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