Building Area: 207 m²
Investor: IDEE Architecture & Construction Inc.
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Located in the prestigious Bebek district of Istanbul, the IDEE Architecture & Construction Inc. office achieved LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings Gold Certification on March 18, 2025, once again proving that sustainability in office buildings is not only achievable but measurable. As ERKE Sustainability Consultancy, we provided comprehensive consulting services throughout the certification process.
This project demonstrates that high standards in reducing environmental impact, optimizing energy and water usage, and prioritizing occupant health can also be attained in existing buildings, not just new constructions. With a total score of 69 points, the office reached LEED Gold status, showing exceptional performance in energy management, transportation efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
1. Transportation Performance (13/14 Points): A high percentage of employees commute via public transportation, bicycles, or low-emission vehicles. This commuting behavior, supported by detailed transportation performance analysis, played a key role in reducing the carbon footprint.
2. Energy Management (29/35 Points): Through comprehensive energy analysis, the building achieved high operational efficiency. Optimizing HVAC systems, lighting fixtures, and user behavior resulted in 28 points, and successful refrigerant management contributed an additional point.
3. Water Efficiency (10/15 Points): The use of low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout the building led to significant water savings. Water usage is continuously measured and reported to ensure ongoing performance.
4. Waste Management (5/9 Points): An effective recycling system was implemented, ensuring the proper separation of paper, plastic, glass, metal, and organic waste. This performance aligned well with LEED waste management criteria.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality (10/22 Points): Occupant satisfaction surveys, CO₂ monitoring, and temperature assessments confirmed a high standard of indoor air quality. Green cleaning practices were also adopted, enhancing employee health and hygiene.
Given that the IDEE Architecture & Construction office is an existing building, operational data and performance tracking became the core of the LEED O+M certification. At ERKE, we actively supported the process by managing energy and water metering, waste performance tracking, occupant surveys, policy documentation, and communication with USGBC.
The strategies developed to assess and reduce the environmental impact of building user behavior not only supported the certification process but also significantly improved the overall quality of office life. With technical guidance and training provided to the investor and office team, this process resulted not just in a certification, but in the institutionalization of a sustainable office culture.
Achieving LEED Gold status in an existing structure such as this one stands as a valuable example of the untapped sustainability potential in existing buildings. The IDEE Architecture office now offers a healthy, efficient, and environmentally responsible workspace, setting an inspiring example for the industry.
