L’Oréal USA, the U.S. subsidiary of global beauty and cosmetics giant L’Oréal Groupe, announced its corporate office in El Segundo, Calif., has been awarded two LEED Platinum certifications and a WELL Platinum certification. This achievement marks the first time a L’Oréal building has received three platinum certifications (the highest level available) in sustainability and occupant health, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and employee well-being.
The WELL Building Standard, administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), focuses on a building’s design, operations, and policies to ensure they support the health and well-being of occupants. L’Oréal is the first beauty company in the corporate category to achieve WELL Platinum certification.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), recognizes buildings that support environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, water conservation, occupant health, marketability, and innovation.
L’Oréal achieved platinum certification for LEED ID+C (Interior Design and Construction), followed by LEED EBOM for Interiors (Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance), marking its third certification. Demonstrating the commitment of the team at L’Oréal’s office in El Segundo to sustainable performance operating within an interior space, the LEED EBOM recognition is for existing interiors that have already been through the initial LEED process of creating a strong sustainable framework.
“Achieving multiple LEED and WELL Platinum certifications at our El Segundo site is a testament to our commitment to pioneering sustainable and people-centric workplaces,” said Marissa Pagnani McGowan, North American chief sustainability officer for L’Oréal Groupe. “These prestigious distinctions reflect our belief that environmental responsibility and employee well-being are intrinsically linked.”
The El Segundo corporate office is home to L’Oréal’s NYX Professional Makeup, Urban Decay, Youth to the People, and SkinBetter Science brands. The company has implemented a wide range of sustainable strategies, including:
LEED Platinum Highlights
- Energy Efficiency: Efficient HVAC and lighting systems reduce energy consumption, along with a 330 kW solar array that generates enough renewable energy to offset 79% of the total energy used in the building, on average.
- Water Conservation: Low-flow fixtures contribute to significant water savings up to 40% of potable water.
- Waste Reduction: Robust recycling programs with Zero Waste corporate goals and the use of recycled content materials during construction and operations minimize waste and environmental impact.
WELL Platinum Highlights
- Healthy Air Quality: Enhanced ventilation systems with MERV 13 filters and construction pollution management ensure optimal indoor air quality.
- Access to Natural Light: Ample windows and skylights maximizing natural light and supplemental task lights at workstations enhance mood and productivity.
- Employee Well-Being: Active design strategies, such as visible staircases, ergonomic workstations, and fitness facilities, promote physical activity while access to healthy food options contribute to overall employee well-being. Restorative/wellness spaces, lactation rooms, and access to nature support mental well-being through spaces that reduce stress and enhance cognitive function.
“The work of innovative building projects like L’Oréal’s West Coast office is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are built, designed, and operated,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the USGBC.
IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon added, “We applaud L’Oréal for implementing WELL programs and strategies to craft a collaborative, thriving, people-first environment.”
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