LEED
The U.S. –based LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widespread, multi-criteria certification scheme for rating efficient building performance. It was created in 1998 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC),which has offices in nearly 120 countries all over the world, including in Poland.
The path to certification is very complex, demanding a series of requirements and limitations from the property developer as early as the design stage. The score is spread among several categories pertaining to sustainable building.
LEED CRITERIA
Obtaining a LEED certificate requires the building to score at least 40 points (of the possible 110) on the certification scale. Depending on the final score, the building receives one of the following certificates:
CERTIFIED: 40-49 points
SILVER: 50-59 points
GOLD: 60-79 points
PLATINUM: 80+ points
HOW DOES LEED APPLY TO TORUS?
The idea to attain LEED certification for Torus investment projects came about many years ago, back when the scheme was not as widespread in Poland. Every stage of the Alchemia business centre has been certified under LEED, receiving the highest, Platinum, grade. OFFICYNA stage I has also obtained LEED Platinum certification, while OFFICYNA stage II and FORMAT has been pre-certified under LEED Gold.
LOCATION IN THE CITY CENTRE, UTILISING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND WITH CONVENIENT ACCESS TO RETAIL SERVICES
we have built additional infrastructure to facilitate getting to and from ALCHEMIA: additional bus stops, pedestrian tunnel connecting the buildings to the nearby SKM commuter train station, cycling paths alongside the buildings.
COMFORTABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
100% of liquid materials used during construction, such as glue, paint, floor elements and fit-out components, contain a low amount of VCOs (volatile organic compounds). Outside air is filtered by top-grade equipment. Mechanical ventilation is highly efficient, which results in better quality air. With the exception of designated areas, no smoking is allowed inside and within eight metres of the entrances to the buildings. Employees have constant access to sunlight and, in most cases, access to window view.
APPROX. 50% INCREASED WATER EFFICIENCY
(potable water not-for-consumption) – achieved at Alchemia with the use of efficient fittings limiting the flow of water, varied plant species in vegetation areas and a rainwater tank used for irrigation.
CYCLING-FRIENDLY
Together, ALCHEMIA and OFFICYNA will offer over 1000 bicycle parking spaces. Each building has their own changing rooms with lockers and showers.
PREVENTING CONSTRUCTION DUST AND DIRT FROM CONTAMININATING NEARBY AREAS
RECYCLING
approx. 20% of materials used in the construction of Alchemia had been previously recycled, with construction waste available for further recycling (up to 95%). This includes waste materials obtained from building demolitions.
