The P3.1 billion Zuellig Building project in Makati has achieved pre-certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) at the LEED Gold level for leadership in energy and environmental Design.

This was disclosed by Bridgebury Realty Corporation, an affiliate of the Zuellig Group and developers of the Zuellig Building,

The pre-certification was awarded on behalf of the USGBC by LEED Consultants Davis Langdon & Seah. The project team expects the building to earn a LEED Core and Shell Gold certification after completion in 2012.

The Zuellig Building is the first Gold level LEED Core and Shell Precertified structure in the Philippines. The 33 storey building, when completed, will provide 66,000 sqm of prime grade office space, five levels of basement parking, a rooftop garden and extensively landscaped outdoor areas at the corner of Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, in the heart of the Makati Central Business District.

As a LEED Gold building, it will offer tenants operational cost savings and a healthier indoor environment.

“We see the implementation of exacting environmental standards in design, construction and building operation as a crucial pre-requisite for a 21st century prime grade office building,” says Bridgebury President Kas Jamias, in a statement.

“LEED standards are constantly evolving, which gives certified projects the highest value in the long term,” says CB Richard Ellis Chairman Rick Santos.

Santos adds that “anybody can call their building green, but LEED certification gives developers undisputed credibility worldwide.” To be LEED-certified means the building must undertake a specific set of processes during every phase of the project.

The Zuellig Building adheres to a set of specific energy and environmental principles and features, including the following: Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water recycling initiatives will cut water consumption by 40%; energy-efficient building and office systems, as well as lights that automatically turn off when rooms are unoccupied, reduce energy consumption by at least 15.8 %; and finishes and construction materials that meet stringent criteria for indoor air quality.

“The Zuellig Building has successfully combined design creativity and building performance efficiency,” says Davis Langdon & Seah Director Henry Realon.

“The unique curtain wall design which uses the latest glass technology will not only bring a new style into the Makati cityscape but also allow daylight into 90% of interior spaces while reducing cooling requirements significantly.”

“More and more multinationals are seeing green business as good business,” explains Rick Santos. “Many Fortune 500 companies consider green building initiatives an important part of operating a business efficiently.”

CB Richard Ellis is expecting demand rising to mid-2008 levels by the building’s completion date in early 2012.