LEED GOLD CERTIFICATE FOR RONDO 1 Office complex Rondo 1, owned by MGPA Europe Fund II, is the first skyscraper in Europe to receive the LEED(R) Gold certificate in the category 'Existing Buildings'. The certificate is a culmination of more than a year long process of implementing new, environmentally-friendly solutions in Rondo 1.
Rondo 1 is one of the most modern office buildings in Central-Eastern Europe and currently one of the most 'green' buildings. Moreover it is the first office building in Europe with more than one tenant to be awarded LEED Gold.
'The LEED Gold certificate is an achievement we largely owe to Rondo 1 tenants and their employees. There's over 70 companies and institutions located in Rondo 1 which employ in total 5 500 people. I'd like to thank them for their engagement and support. Their daily help and pro-ecological attitude were crucial for successful certification', says Karol Bartos, Vice President - Asset and Development Management, MGPA.
During the certification process, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) evaluates amongst others: water and energy consumption, type of materials used in the interiors, and effectiveness of the waste segregation system. The Rondo 1 certification process started in October 2009, since then water consumption was reduced by 30% and the number of light bulbs containing mercury compounds was reduced. All cleaning products used in the building are biodegradable and 10% of electricity consumed by the building comes from renewable energy sources (wind energy). Furthermore, 61% of the building's total waste is sorted and almost 63% of the 5,500 employees working in Rondo 1 cycle to work or use public transport, according to data gathered by USGBC in February 2010.
'Rondo 1 is a unique building. From the beginning it's been setting standards on the office market in Poland and Central-Eastern Europe. The LEED certificate confirms that we care not only about the quality of offered space and tenant's comfort but for the natural environment as well', says Karol Bartos.
Hochtief Development Poland (the company administrating the building), and Epstein, an architectural firm offering consultation for the LEED programme were also involved in the certification process.
About Rondo 1
Rondo 1 is the most modern, grade A+ tall building in Central and Eastern Europe. A 40-floor tower, located in the centre of Warsaw's business district, at ONZ Roundabout, and in the vicinity of Warsaw's Central Railway Station. The complex also includes a neighbouring, 10-storey building with a car park and serviced premises. Rondo 1 offers a total of 64,000sqm rentable building space and nearly 500 parking places. The design of Rondo 1 was designed by architects from American company, Skidmore, Owings & Merill - who specialise in the design of tall buildings - in cooperation with Polish studios: AZO and Epstein. The investment was put into operation in 2006. Rondo 1 is the property of MGPA Europe Fund II, managed by the private equity real estate investment advisory company, MGPA.
www.rondo1.pl
www.leed.rondo1.pl23.03.2011
About MGPA
MGPA is an independently managed private equity real estate investment advisory company focused on real estate investment in Asia and Europe. Through its network of offices throughout Asia and Europe, MGPA currently manages US$10 billion in assets throughout these two regions. Its managed investments include development and redevelopment projects, joint-ventures and real estate operating companies in the office, retail, industrial, residential and hotel sectors.
