RBS wins international environmental award

The ultra modern RBS Middle East Shared Service Centre houses nearly 1000 staff and has achieved two significant designations from the USGBC. RBS is the 'first' LEED Certified Commercial Interiors Project in the Middle East. Since 2006, more than 400 companies in Middle East have applied for LEED certification—only four have achieved success. In addition, with an area of nearly 100,000 square feet, RBS' Shared Service Centre is also the largest project in the region to be certified.

As a direct result of RBS' sustainability project, the company reduced its environmental impact through conservation resulting in more than 43% energy savings and more than 32% savings on water in the RBS Middle East Shared Services Centre. The project team utilised recycled content for more than 25% of the material used during the construction of the building's interior. In addition, green housekeeping, educating staff about green initiatives and preventive maintenance policies contributed to the LEED Gold Certification for Commercial Interiors.

Commenting at the official certification ceremony in Dubai, Colin Macdonald, Country Executive, RBS UAE, said:

"Achieving LEED Gold is an outstanding achievement and it reflects RBS' concern for the natural environment in a region where increased efficiencies and reducing carbon emissions can make a great impact. As an organisation that places great impetus on sustainability, our investment to reduce the environmental impact of our business operations in the UAE is very important."

As temperatures in the summertime reach extreme levels the project team focused on indoor environmental quality by using heat emitting materials in the fixtures to reduce air conditioning consumption. RBS used flexi fixtures to reduce water and appliances that optimise energy performance.

Jerry Mollenkramer, Chief Operating Officer for RBS in the Middle East, explains, "We were able to divert 75% of the interior fittings construction waste away from landfill sites by recycling. The use of new T5 lighting saves 15% energy and the lighting system automatically dims and turns off depending on the natural light and motion sensors."

In addition to the interiors project, RBS initiated green staff transportation efforts to reduce carbon. Every day, nearly all of RBS Middle East Shared Service Centre staff make use of dedicated, RBS branded shuttle busses rather than driving to work in separate vehicles. RBS is taking a leading role to promote a greener environment in a place where conservation and efficiency can make a great impact.