Asian Development Bank Headquarters

Certified Gold
for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
 Governments in Asia and the Pacific have increasingly
recognized that for economic growth to be sustainable
ADB’s Mandate for Green Growth they must find ways to halt environmental degradation.
We at ADB invest in sound environmental and natural

Solar panels can generate peak power of 418 kW of green energy, providing approximately 3.5% of ADB headquarters’ needs.
 We apply these same principles at home. When the
143,570-square meter, 6.5-hectare ADB headquarters compound
was constructed in Manila in 1991, it was a model of green
building technology. The Philippines’ tropical climate requires a
balance of natural architecture and technological innovation to
save energy and ensure human comfort.
The building was designed with gardens and courtyards to
increase shade. Atriums and tinted windows let in the right amount of
light while reducing heat from the sun to save energy.
On a typical business day, 3,500 people work in and use
the facilities of our headquarters (HQ); almost 1,600 meals are
prepared in our kitchens; and 407,000 liters of water flow through
resource management, while promoting green growth, low- our pipes. Each factor holds potential environmental impacts.
carbon development, and adaptation to climate change. So we must continually work hard to reduce the impact of our HQ’s
We also work with our development partners to enhance activities on the environment and to meet the challenges of accelerating
environmental governance and management capacity. climate change.
Our efforts have met with such success that in 2011 the
ADB office complex received the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification for existing
buildings—making ADB HQ certifiably green.
LEED certification is not easily earned and must be recertified
by meeting increasingly stringent requirements every 5 years, giving
ADB an opportunity to make ADB HQ even greener in the years ahead.
Greening ADB for People
and the Environment
ADB has strived to stay current in environmental technology through
the years, incorporating new and better ways to reduce our carbon
footprint. In 2003, we implemented measures called integrated
environment, health, and safety management system (EHSMS) certified
under ISO1 14001 and OHSAS2 18001.
These systems called for documenting procedures, developing
guidelines, and training and encouraging staff to support the
environmental three “Rs”—reduce, reuse, and recycle. We were certified
that same year. 1991 (Apolinario 2000 (Certificate of
Using our EHSMS platform as a springboard, we began a mapping Mabini Award) Energy Efficiency)
study to see if ADB HQ could qualify for the next level in green building ADB HQ opens Certificate of Energy
practices—LEED certification for existing buildings. for business and Efficiency is awarded
By obtaining LEED gold certification, we receive independent wins the Apolinario by the ASEAN
Mabini Award Energy Efficiency
verification that our building-use strategies are recognized for top
for accessibility Conservations
performance in important areas of human and environmental health.
for people with Subsector Network
disabilities. in cooperation with
1
2
International Organization for Standardization the ASEAN Center
Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series for Energy.
2000 (Don Emilio 2003 (ISO 2005 (6 Sigma) 2007 (Sustainability 2009 (Sustainability 2011 (LEED 2011 (Sustainability
Abello Energy Certification) Report) Report) certification) Report)
6 Sigma as a quality
Efficiency Award)
Environment, management tool Presents policies, Gives updates on The US Green Provides further
Don Emilio Abello Health, and Safety to improve the programs, and ADB’s work in Building Council updates on ADB’s
Energy Efficiency Management System functioning of ADB environmentally minimizing our awards ADB LEED efforts in reducing
Award is presented is certified under facilities as a green friendly practices at carbon footprint, certification for our environmental
by the Philippine ISO 14001 and building is used. our headquarters. and promoting operation and footprint, and
Department of OHSAS 18001— environmentally maintenance of a promoting
Energy. recertified in 2006 sustainable and high-performance sustainable and
and 2009. socially inclusive green building. inclusive growth.
growth.
LEED Takes ADB to the Next Level in Green Building
LEED is a third-party certification program that promotes a whole-building
approach to sustainability. Administered by the US Green Building Council,
LEED offers an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction,
and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Green building systems help reduce or eliminate negative environmental
impacts through high-performance construction and operations practices.
 How the LEED Rating System Works
The LEED rating system gives points corresponding to rating levels for
implementing sound practices in important environmental areas.

Level Points Sustainable

Certified 40–49 Sites
Silver 50–59
Gold 60–79
Platinum 80 pts. and above

Energy Water
Steps ADB Took to LEED Certification Efficiency Efficiency
To achieve LEED certification, ADB’s existing procedures on energy
and environmental management were upgraded and reinforced to
meet LEED requirements.
By receiving 63 points, the ADB HQ building leapfrogged the
“Certified” and “Silver” levels to achieve LEED Gold rating.

Materials Indoor
LEED Recognizes Performance & Resources Environmental
Management Quality
in Key Areas of Human and
Environmental Health

(Left) Shaded walkways welcome visitors at ADB’s entrance.

 11of
17
points attempted

Maintaining a Sustainable Site

LEED criteria for sustainable sites consider important items such as a building’s
environmental impact on the local ecosystem and waterways, mitigation of water
runoff, transportation access, light pollution, heat island effect, and pollution
during construction and operation.
Heat reduction from the tree shading of open car parks, the high
solar reflectance index of our paved roadway, and environment-friendly
transportation options, such as immediate access to public transportation and
promotion of carpooling, earned ADB HQ LEED points.
Management of storm water is another area where ADB HQ earned points.
Our new rainwater-harvesting facility has reduced rainwater runoff by more
than 30%. To qualify for LEED certification we also reduced outside light pollution
through full and partial shielding of exterior lights that are above 50 watts.

(Right) Easy access from ADB headquarters to mass transit reduces

pollution and land development impacts from automobile commuting.
 9of
13
Practicing Water Efficiency
points attempted

The principle of water efficiency focuses on plumbing, water performance

measurement, water-efficient landscaping, and cooling tower management both
inside and outside the building.
Water is used at ADB HQ for everything from watering plants and facilities
cleaning to preparing food in our kitchens, and providing for toilets and
showers. Although our water consumption increased from 2009 to 2010 because
of additional staff and consultants, use of potable water actually decreased.
Reasons for this reduction were many. They include newer and more efficient
water fixtures that complied with Uniform Plumbing Code and International
Plumbing Code flow/flush rates; 100% utilization of non-potable and treated
water from our sewage treatment plant; and a new rainwater harvesting facility for
watering plants and cleaning ADB HQ’s walkways, driveways, parking areas, and
facades. These upgrades helped ADB gain LEED certification points.
The installation of whole-building metering and sub-metering as well as
a new cooling tower water management system earned ADB HQ additional
points. The system detects problems that can lead to corrosion and biofouling
and delivers a chemical response, ensuring cooling safety and efficiency.

ADB’s rainwater-harvesting facility provides water

for cleaning building facades and grounds, as well as for watering plants.
 26of
Improving Energy Efficiency 27
for a Cleaner Atmosphere points attempted

Worldwide, buildings consume more than a third of all energy and emit as much
as 15% of greenhouse gases. LEED rewards buildings that use a wide range of
energy-reduction strategies. So it is no surprise we received 26 of the 27 points
attempted in this important category because not only was energy efficiency
built into ADB HQ’s original design, but we have also continually implemented
energy-efficient systems.
Only 2 years after ADB HQ opened, an energy audit was commissioned
that led to implementation of 10 energy-saving projects. Existing systems were
modified and new controls for air-conditioning, lighting, and computer systems
were introduced. Within 6 years these changes helped save 33 million kilowatt-
hours, equivalent to 18,000 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions—or about
2 years’ worth of electricity.
But we did not stop there. Other energy improvements have included Six
Sigma Projects that led to the replacement of our air-conditioning chillers and
pumps, and use of non-chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant. At ADB HQ, emission-
reduction reporting and greenhouse gas inventories are now standard practices.
Also contributing to our LEED “energy” score was our Building Automation
System (BAS), which monitors needs and automatically makes adjustments to
match supply and demand for everything from air conditioning to lights. The BAS Building skylights provide natural lighting, saving energy.
lets us allocate precise levels of cooling and lighting to every part of the building. ventilation system. (Bottom) 6 Sigma Projects led to the re
 (Top) A Building Automation System controls and optimizes the operation of ADB’s central air conditioning and
eplacement of air-conditioning chillers and pumps, and use of non-chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant.
 5of
5
Saving Material and Resources points attempted

Buildings use large quantities of materials and resources during construction

and operation. This generates waste. ADB HQ is no exception. How resource
procurement is managed and waste is reduced, however, are what matter
most. LEED promotes reduction, reuse, and recycling—the “three R’s” of waste
management. It also encourages the selection of sustainably grown, harvested,
produced, and transported products and materials.
ADB has policies on solid waste management and sustainable purchasing.
Our Office of Administrative Services Procurements and Contracts Unit has
established guidelines on green procurement. This means most of our building
materials are bought locally. And any administrative goods and services we
procure are environmentally preferred and/or considered ecoproducts. We even
work closely with moving companies to ensure packing material and cartons are
reused or recycled.
When it comes to the “three R’s,” our Environment, Health, and Safety
Management System policy states that ADB HQ will employ best practices and
safe operating procedures to prevent the release of pollutants; optimize the use
of resources; reduce waste generation; and reuse, recycle, treat, and dispose all
wastes properly.
ADB has worked hard in all of the areas concerned, and the US Green Building ADB solid waste segregation recovers
Council took notice, awarding ADB a perfect five out of five LEED points attempted.
recyclable materials, which are then sold to recyclers.
Enriching Indoor 6of
8
Environmental Quality points attempted

As people migrate to cities and nonfarm industries grow, workers are spending
more hours indoors. Unfortunately, air quality inside can sometimes be worse
than it is outside due to inadequate ventilation, building material toxins, tobacco
smoke, pesticides, and other chemicals. LEED promotes efforts that improve
indoor air quality and design of buildings to maximize the use of natural lighting
and views—all areas where ADB HQ excels.
Air is purged from and replaced at ADB HQ three times a week. Our
Occupational Health and Safety Committee monitors our indoor air, assuring
ADB staff and visitors of air quality compliant with standards of the United
States Environmental Protection Agency and the American Society for Heating,
Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Our implementation of a building no-smoking policy and newly constructed
smoking lounges take ADB HQ’s clean air efforts even further. Not only do these
protect the health of our staff and visitors against the cancer-causing effects of
environmental tobacco smoke, but they also earned LEED recognition.
Other measures helped ADB gain LEED certification as well. For example,
our green cleaning program uses environment-friendly cleaning products and
materials and requires a custodial effectiveness assessment. In addition, sensors
in our parking garages also monitor and control lighting, and regulate exhaust ADB HQ’s two air-filtered smoking
systems that operate during periods of elevated carbon monoxide levels.
lounges protect nonsmokers from the cancerous effects of second-hand smoke.
 6of
Incorporating Innovation in Design 6
points attempted

LEED offers bonus points under an optional category called Innovation in

Design. We are especially proud of our perfect score in this area because points
are awarded for exceeding LEED requirements or incorporating solutions that
use innovative technologies and strategies.
ADB HQ received one LEED point for waste management of durable
goods for 100% disposal away from landfills through our donation or sale of
used assets, and another point for purchasing and using environment-friendly
materials 70% of the time.
We received an additional point because our roads, sidewalks, courtyards,
and parking areas were either shaded or had high solar reflectance. We also
earned points for having in place an environmental management system
certified under ISO 14001 to manage the environmental impacts on HQ,
and for having a LEED-accredited professional take part in our LEED
certification project.

Planned window upgrades will maintain daylight

and reduce building heat load.
Shading throughout the ADB compound reduces heat island effect.
Turning LEED Gold to LEED Platinum

Receiving the US Green Building Council’s

LEED Gold certification is something to be proud of.
But ADB cannot rest on its laurels.
ADB wants to do more.

LEED recertification comes every 5 years. And each renewal comes with even stricter criteria that consider
new advances in green technology and innovation. In addition, accelerating climate change has subjected
ADB HQ to harsher climatic conditions with heavier rainfall, higher temperature, and more intense solar
radiation than the milder climate conditions for which the building was originally designed.
Strategies to meet these challenges are under way. Action items include regular updating of operations
and equipment, and monitoring of activities in all LEED categories. Upgrades feature replacement of aging
air-conditioning chillers, modernization of elevators, and renovation of toilet areas. They also include the
rehabilitation of the building by introducing a green-roofing/solar panel system as well as restoration of
the existing exterior window glass panels with heat- and weather-resistant coating to maintain daylight and
reduce building heat load.
ADB LEEDership strategies also call for an assessment of potential LEED credits to identify LEED
requirements and ADB gaps. Once this is completed, ADB Management will decide which LEED credits to
pursue to enhance our LEED GOLD portfolio and plant a green path to LEED Platinum.
Learn How ADB Can Advise You on
Sustainable Building Management
The lessons ADB experts have learned from gaining ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001, and LEED
Gold certification can serve as a model for your own buildings. Already, we have assisted
our Bangladesh and India resident mission offices in becoming ISO 14001 and OSHA
18001 certified; we are now helping them qualify for LEED certification.
We have also presented a case study on our LEED certification program for existing
buildings to the facilities management group of The United Nations. We are providing
technical support on sustainable building management to our developing member
countries. And we will soon make available a LEED commissioning manual that features
green techniques that will be used in building ADB’s new third atrium.
New buildings are being constructed and old buildings are aging throughout the Asia
and Pacific region. This means there is no better time than now to learn building strategies
that not only meet international standards in important areas of human and environmental
health, but can also save money and extend building life.
To find out more, contact our focal points from
ADB’s Office of Administrative Services:
Chatiya Nantham
Lead Facilities Planning and Management Specialist
[email protected]
Natasha Davis
Senior Planning and Coordination Specialist
[email protected]
Julito Baldisimo
Facilities Planning and Management Officer (EHSM)
[email protected]
Asian Development Bank Headquarters: Certified Gold
for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) promotes green growth in our developing member countries through
investments in sound environment and natural resource management, low-carbon economy, and
adaptation to climate change. We apply these same principles at our headquarters. In 2011, the ADB office
complex received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for existing buildings.

About the Asian Development Bank

ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member
countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Despite the region’s many
successes, it remains home to two-thirds of the world’s poor: 1.8 billion people who live on less than
$2 a day, with 903 million struggling on less than $1.25 a day. ADB is committed to reducing poverty
through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.
Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments
for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees,
grants, and technical assistance.

Asian Development Bank

6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City
1550 Metro Manila, Philippines
www.adb.org
Publication Stock No. ARM124595
May 2012

Printed on recycled paper Printed in the Philippines