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How can old buildings become modern, sustainable spaces?

JLL and Interface show what’s possible

September 08, 2023

Today the urgency to enhance the design and operation of aging office buildings has never been greater, both for the benefit of people and the planet.

While tearing down and replacing old structures isn’t always practical or sustainable, retrofitting and adaptive reuse offer promising solutions. These approaches transform outdated, energy inefficient workplaces into spaces that have a low-carbon footprint and set the highest standards for employee health and wellbeing. So, what does this look like in practice?

Watch the film, produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, to find out how JLL helped global flooring specialist Interface turn its new Atlanta-based HQ into a pioneering example of embodied and operational carbon reduction, water conservation, and collaborative, employee-centric workspaces.

With features such as rainwater harvesting and a highly specialized energy saving HVAC system, the project was the first LEED v4 Platinum building in Georgia. Biophilic design and a focus on enhanced collaboration spaces also helped it to become WELL Gold certified.

What’s more, companies like Interface are now going one step further in their sustainability approach by exploring how they can have a positive social impact on surrounding communities and their supply chain through emerging social certifications such as SEAM.

The drive to create more sustainable, healthier buildings is gathering momentum. It’s what employees want and it’s what society increasingly expects. Now it’s up to companies to deliver.

Globally, over 1 billion square meters of office space will need to be retrofitted by 2050 to meet decarbonization goals. Is your office space keeping pace?

JLL's end-to-end sustainability solutions create healthier and more inspiring spaces to help your business thrive. Learn how we can help your buildings meet the highest standards of sustainability.