Affori Centre, the 12,000m² office complex, located in the Northwest area of Milan, has been awarded the LEED® Silver certification for an Existing Building. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a leading environmental label, which sets a high standard in sustainable development for the buildings it certifies.
The office complex, which will be delivered in December 2009, is composed of three interconnected buildings. Through an extensive refurbishment process, CBRE Investors introduced numerous eco-friendly measures to the buildings, well beyond local environmental standards. Such improvements include the installation of low energy lighting, solar panels, sun shades and external brises soleil. In addition, a particular emphasis has been put on the flexibility and functionality of the space to accommodate one or several tenants.
"In Italy, the LEED certification is still a new concept" declared Luca Pellegrini, Asset Manager with CBRE Investors. "However, for CBRE Investors, socially responsible investment is a priority and a key to performance. Indeed, we believe that more and more tenants and owners are looking for buildings with a high degree of social and environmental qualities. It is a structural change that is underway, and we believe the intrinsic value and liquidity of an asset can be enhanced through a sustainable approach. Achieving the LEED certification was a must in the refurbishment of Affori Centre. Sustainable development is an integral part of our investment thesis in Italy for all of the assets we manage, including Amadeo 59 and Segreen Business Park."
"We are committed to creating a vibrant, comfortable and healthy working environment for our tenants," said Christine Sonnier, Managing Director of CBRE Investors. "In Italy, and across Europe, we believe in offering high quality, functional office space, perfected through architectural design, numerous amenities and services, as well as green qualities."
Source: Citigate
