The iCITY business center, a two-tower building by MR Group near the Moscow-City business center, will undergo LEED certification and expects to receive a Gold certification. This demonstrates not just the modernity but also the high level of engineering solutions used in its construction, which has reduced the complex's energy consumption by more than a quarter. A team of specialists from HPBS will manage the project throughout the certification process and during energy optimization.
LEED, an independent international assessment system for the environmental and energy efficiency of buildings, was introduced in 1998. Certification requires compliance with stringent international norms and standards. However, it also unequivocally confirms that a building was constructed using environmentally friendly construction materials and engineering, thereby reducing the amount of resources used during its operation.
Kermen Mastiev, Director of Commercial Real Estate at the iCITY project developer, explained that LEED certification is a significant advantage for the target audience interested in high-end office projects. Not only major international but also reputable domestic companies consider only business centers certified to the "green standard" when renting or purchasing real estate. After all, locating offices in such buildings not only enhances a company's prestige but also reduces operating costs and provides a better environment.
The iCITY complex, being built with financial support from VTB Bank, was designed with the best global practices and smart building principles in mind. This includes the implementation of intelligent engineering systems and the complete automation of the skyscrapers, not to mention achieving maximum energy efficiency. Experts predict that, thanks to the opportunities offered by digital modeling and the implementation of a number of effective solutions, energy consumption in the iCITY towers will be reduced by 25%.
The LEED program has 4 levels of certification:
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Certified;
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Silver;
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Gold;
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Platinum.
Thus, receiving LEED Gold certification is a significant achievement, instantly enhancing the building's value. However, to achieve this, iCITY needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, which will be achieved by reducing energy consumption and using low-carbon materials with the appropriate EPD certifications. The relevant documentation is already being prepared.