MAPFRE Sigorta’s new head office located at Torunlar Tower in Şişli, İstanbul which was completed as of January 2017, received LEED Gold Certificate in the category of internal design. Developed by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system operates as one of the world’s most well-known and most prestigious green building rating programs.

MAPFRE Sigorta Turkey’s head office was entitled to receive a LEED certificate with its practical and measurable applications developed with the aim of obtaining high performance in terms of sustainable grounds, water-saving, energy efficiency, material selection, and quality of internal atmosphere. Due to strategies adopted during the design and construction of the office which currently accommodates 550 people in an area of 10 thousand square meters, the office managed to achieve a high level of energy and water saving; which resulted in significant gains in terms of operational costs. Strategies implemented in the building created a healthy and efficient working atmosphere both for employees and visitors. No hazardous chemicals were used in the office (for coating, furniture, illumination etc.); and physical layout was planned in a way to receive maximum amount of daylight. High efficiency tools were chosen while designing heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems. Energy saving models were preferred for devices to be used by employees such as computers, printers, and cafeteria devices as well.

Mahesh Ramanujam, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), said: “Being entitled to LEED certificate is more important than conducting sustainable practices. This certificate represents the commitment to make the world a better place and encourage people to do better.”

Volkan Babür, Assistant General Manager of MAPFRE, said that Turkey Head Office Project was regarded as the best designed and most efficient offices of MAPFRE around the world. Babür added as follows: “The fact that one of the two LEED Gold certificates MAPFRE has gained across the world belongs to Turkey office is a strong indicator of the emphasis MAPFRE’s places on nature and also on Turkey. MAPFRE Sigorta takes sustainability as a basic principle; and we do our part in protecting the earth and using existing resources much more efficient. In this regard, this certificate is a source of pride.”