PAGE 7Summertown all set to open its new LEED Gold-ratedHeadquarters building in JafzaPlans to use the facility as a showcase to promote the concept of green interiorsJafza-based Summertown InternationalFZE, a market leader in designing,planning and integrating flexible officesolutions, has recently completed itsLEED Gold Standard-compliant, fullygreenheadquarters building in Jafza.The new facility makes Summertownthe first interior and joinery companywithin its industry in the UAE, to beISO certified and attain the covetedenvironmental standards.The LEED (Leadership in Energyand Environmental Design) ratingsystem is a global benchmark for thedesign, construction, and operationof high-performance green buildings.It promotes a holistic approachto sustainability by recognisingperformance in five key areas of humanand environmental health - sustainablesite development, water savings, energyefficiency,materials selection andindoor environmental quality. LEED Goldrating is the second-highest rankingobtainable under the system.“We have meticulously followed theguidelines outlined by LEED to builda sustainable, energy-efficient, highperformancegreen interior with aninspiring work environment,” saidMarcos Bish, the dynamic ManagingDirector of Summertown, commentingon their green initiatives. “As a result,our new facility not only uses 35% lessenergy, up to 50% less water and divertsover 90% of its waste from the landfillcompared to a conventional building,but also provides a transparent,seamless, healthy and inspiringworkplace where people enjoy working.”By designing and executing its ownefficient and environment-friendlyInterior perspectivePerspective of Summertown LEED Gold-rated Headquarters in Jafzaoffice interiors within set LEED andbudget parameters, Summertown hasnot only reinforced its commitment tosustainability but also created a highlyefficient and seamless workplace,which can efficiently serve as ashowcase to demonstrate the strengthof innovative concepts and productquality to clients. “As interior designand fit-out specialists of green interiors,it is vital that we lead by example. Ournew facility allows us to demonstratethe strength of our concepts physicallyto our clients,” Marcos said. “Aftersuccessfully implementing the LEEDGold rating system, we are in a positionto efficiently assist companies whoare keen on going green and try toconvince others of the importance ofhaving energy and environment-friendlyinteriors,” he added.At 10,000 square metres, theSummertown headquarter facilitycomprises a state-of-the-art, transparentand seamless office with an integratedshowroom, which highlights thecompany’s focus on craftsmanship,quality and inspiring concepts thatare pragmatic and sustainable.Summertown’s Jafza facility alsoincludes a cutting edge 100,000 squarefeet joinery, equipped to produce highclasscustom-made furniture, fitmentsand fixtures including one and two hourfire-rated doors, which are designed andengineered to the highest standards ofstrength and durability.Summertown has offices in Abu Dhabiand Dubai offering design solutionsto its clients on a complete turnkeyfit-out basis. “We design creative andinspirational solutions within theframework of feasibility and budget,incorporating the latest technologyand global sustainability trends.We ensure that they not only reflectand incorporate the brand but alsoencapsulate the culture and philosophyof our clients while maintaining theenvironment-friendly features,”said Marcos.Summertown’s design team comprisesarchitects, planners and designers whointerpret their clients’ requirementsand suggest environment-friendlysolutions, prior to and during the stageof development.Marcos Bish, Managing Director,Summertown International