India pioneering real estate developer, DLF has played a key role in transforming the urban landscape of the country. In a little over seven decades, the realty pioneer has successfully capitulated itself as a key growth partner of the country, with an iconic portfolio of over 31.25 million sq. ft across a diverse range of verticals. The secret behind this success is the realty giant commitment to continuous improvement that underpins all its operations. However, what sets DLF Offices apart is their vision to ensure operational excellence in a manner that is environmentally sustainable.
While India climb to success has indeed been bolstered by the development of the built environment, it is also important to recognise the impact it has had on the environment. According to the latest industry reports, the built environment ecosystem is responsible for about a quarter of the world greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In light of this, the realty maven cognisant of their responsibility towards society, has upended this challenge into an opportunity to create a tangible, positive change in the ecosystem we thrive in.
DLF Cybercity Hyderabad is a great example of this endeavour by DLF. Located in the IT corridor of Gachibowli, the multi-block integrated commercial office space has had sustainability at the crux of its design, construction, and management processes. Whether it is a Fortune 500 company on the hunt for their ideal office space, or a unicorn company, when you work here you are assured to meet your sustainability commitments. This blog will delve into how this workspace, with its energy-efficient utilisation of resources and ecologically conscious design, has successfully laid out a decarbonisation blueprint for the rest of the commercial assets to follow.
Here are a few ways in which DLF has incorporated sustainability in the office spaces in DLF Cybercity Hyderabad:
Greenspaces: A unique intersection of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability
While the growth trajectory of India in the last century has indeed been impressive, it has resulted in large-scale migration to urban areas, with the urban population estimated to reach 675 million by 2035. This has levied surmounting pressure on the limited resources in the area and also resulted in wide-scale deforestation, which has led to disastrous environmental consequences. From rising pollution levels to the emission of greenhouse gases to the heat island effect, the effect has been dire for the environment and humans alike.
Recognising the importance of a healthy and sustainable environment to attain community development, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad has been designed with plenty of green and open spaces interspersed throughout the 26 acres development. This not only leads to the nourishment of the development existing character, and improved environmental protection but has also promoted outdoor recreational spaces and active lifestyles. Committed to preserving the biodiversity of the operation site, DLF Offices has followed a rigorous policy of mitigation hierarchy, wherein numerous trees were planted in the public area around their Hyderabad asset. We have also partnered with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation for maintaining green corridors in the City of Nawabs, by spearheading plantation drives.
However, our dedication to ensuring that our workforce works in the healthiest environment possible is not limited to this. To ensure that our workers can benefit from the rejuvenating effects of nature, our office development has been constructed in close vicinity to Hyderabad's verdant Biodiversity Park.
Water management: Not a drop wasted
Acutely aware of the ongoing water scarcity crisis in the world, at DLF Offices we have envisioned reducing water intensity in our rental assets by 10% by 2025, using
FY 2019-20 as the baseline. In line with this vision, we have successfully developed a rental portfolio wherein 100% of our sites, including DLF Cybercity Hyderabad, are LEED Zero Water certified. With stringent adherence to the 4Rs principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover), we have committed to effectively managing the water quality and utilisation throughout the lifecycle of this development, ensuring a potable water utilisation of net zero for over four years. Our enedeavours have resulted in significantly bringing down the water intensity in our office space.
Energy Efficiency: Revolutionising real estate with green solutions
With 90 billion natural resources being exhausted every year, and the figures expected to rise twofold by 2050, the importance of adopting energy-efficient practices and resources in our built environment has never been more urgent. As one of the leading real estate companies in the country, we have assumed the responsibility of committing to reduce energy intensity across our rental portfolio by 15% by 2030. To attain the collective objective of energy security and environmental protection, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad has adopted an array of practices to reduce our dependence on exhaustible resources, with the project being 100% green energy powered. We have installed solar panels, which are not only dependent on inexhaustible solar energy but are also efficient regarding water consumption and cost while releasing negligible greenhouse gases. We have also designed our office buildings with a grand atrium, which ensures plenty of natural light filters in, further leading to a reduction of dependence upon artificial lighting.
Sustainability efforts recognised: DLF Cybercity Hyderabad awarded LEED Zero Waste
Over the last seven decades, we have earned the recognition of being industry front runners. Our initiatives to inculcate sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of DLF Cybercity Hyderabad have led us to receive numerous awards and recognitions. For showcasing our commitment to sustainable business, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad has been bestowed with the prestigious LEED Platinum Certificate by USGBC, the most widely used and recognised green building rating system in the world. Further, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad is also the first development in India to be awarded LEED Zero Waste Certification.
LEED Zero Waste certification signifies buildings or developments that have achieved exceptional waste management practices and have successfully diverted a significant amount of waste from landfill. To obtain the LEED Zero Waste Certification, a building or development must demonstrate that it has achieved at least 90% diversion of on-site generated waste from landfills through strategies such as recycling, composting, and reuse. The certification acknowledges the efforts made by the project to minimize waste generation and promote sustainable waste management practices.
By receiving the LEED Zero Waste Certification, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad has demonstrated its commitment to effectively managing waste and contributing to a circular economy by reducing landfill waste and maximizing recycling and reuse. It signifies that the development has implemented robust waste management systems and practices, aligning with the highest sustainability standards in the industry.
Final thoughts:
DLF Cybercity Hyderabad stands as a shining example of DLF's commitment to sustainable development and decarbonisation in the commercial real estate sector. With a clear understanding of the environmental impact of the built environment, DLF has taken up the challenge as an opportunity to create positive change. By incorporating sustainability measures in the design, construction, and management of DLF Cybercity Hyderabad, DLF Offices has set a decarbonisation blueprint for other commercial assets to follow.
Introduction
In today's fast-paced world, as we witness the undeniable progress and growth in various industries, one pressing concern that demands our immediate attention is the management of waste. Fortunately, over the last decade, many experts from diverse fields have come forward to introduce an ingenious solution for the management of this waste in a manner that is not only not hazardous to the environment, but rather proactively benefits it. This is called sustainable waste management, which is essentially a strategy of collecting, transporting, or disposing of waste in a manner that reduces the net amount of resources used, reusing material as much as possible, and creating minimal waste.
Amid the myriad sectors that shape the world we live in, the real estate industry plays a crucial role, but it also has a significant impact on the environment. As urbanisation and construction projects continue to grow, so does the generation of construction and demolition waste. With approximately half of the resources extracted going into the built environment and one-third of the waste generated by the construction industry, it is no wonder that the real estate industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable waste management strategies.
DLF Cybercity Hyderabad: Pioneering Sustainable Waste Management
The pursuit of sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives is becoming increasingly vital in today's world. The DLF Cybercity Hyderabad, for instance, has established a unique precedent by being the nation's first workplace awarded the US Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Zero Waste Certification. This honour emphasises DLF Cybercity's dedication to waste minimization, environmental preservation, and ethical business practises.
Located in the heart of the City of Pearls business district, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad is a sprawling office space that is available for lease and currently houses a diverse range of multinational companies and organisations. Well-known for its contemporary design, cutting-edge infrastructure, and, as of late, dedication to sustainability, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad is now at the forefront of India's green building revolution thanks to its achievement of the USGBC LEED Zero Waste Certification.
DLF Cybercity's journey towards achieving USGBC LEED Zero Waste Certification involved a comprehensive and collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including building management, tenants, and waste management partners.
However, before diving into the intricacies of the impact this certification has had on the real estate industry, let us first briefly understand what USGBC LEED Zero Waste Certification entails.
The USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Zero Waste Certification is a globally recognised standard for measuring and recognising outstanding efforts in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The certification signifies that a building or workplace has diverted at least 90% of its waste from landfills, incineration, or the environment. By attaining this certification, DLF Cybercity has demonstrated its dedication to environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.
Impact on the Future of Sustainable Workplaces
The achievement of USGBC LEED Zero Waste Certification by DLF Cybercity has set a precedent for other commercial complexes, businesses, and organisations across India. It sends a powerful message that sustainable practices are achievable and economically viable. Some of the potential impacts on the future of sustainable workplaces include:
As the largest publicly listed real estate company in India, DLF recognises the responsibility it has towards delivering a built environment ecosystem that not only exceeds end customer's expectations but is also environmentally responsible. Owing to its stature as a pioneer in the Indian real estate market, DLF Cybercity's success will undoubtedly inspire other companies and organisations to adopt eco-friendly practises and work towards similar certifications, creating a ripple effect for positive change.
According to USGBCs annual report India accounts for 2.8 million gross square meters of green built spaces. LEED Zero Waste Certification, with its innate philosophy being based on the principle of the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle), catalyses the green building movement in India. It reinforces the importance of eco-friendly design, construction, and operations, leading to increased adoption of green building standards across the country.
The business world is becoming more environmentally and socially responsible, in part due to growing stakeholders' expectations. This is evident in a report published by Aflac stating that 73% of investors actively look for businesses that are environmentally and socially responsible. Further, the same report highlights how 77% of consumers are more likely to use brands committed to making the world a better place. This has led to organisations now recognising that sustainability is not just a moral responsibility but also a key component of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By investing in green practises, companies can enhance their reputation and build a positive brand image.
Global net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from human activity must decrease by around 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030 and must approach net zero around 2050 to avoid the worst climatic effects, according to the international consensus of scientists. With the built environment generating 40% of annual global CO2 emissions, real estate companies must play their part if we are to meet the net zero goal.
Sustainable waste management can play an integral role in minimising our global footprint, as it means reducing the utilisation of new resources, which in turn reduces fossil fuel-intensive activities and leaves more of the limited resources for future generations. With DLF Cybercity leading the way, a considerable reduction in landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions can be expected. This contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts and mitigates the impact of climate change.
Final Thoughts
DLF Cybercity Hyderabad USGBC LEED Zero Waste Certification achievement is a momentous milestone in India's sustainable development journey. By demonstrating leadership in waste reduction and resource efficiency, DLF Cybercity Hyderabad has set a remarkable example for other workplaces to follow. As more companies and organisations adopt eco-friendly practices, we move closer to a greener and more sustainable future, fostering a healthier planet for future generations.
In today's world, for a corporation to succeed, it is pivotal for its success to foster an environment that promotes innovation, performance, and work-life balance. DLF Offices have been reshaping the sector by acting as the driving force behind this transformation of the IT office paradigm in India. Our vision of providing innovative solutions to satisfy the rapidly evolving needs of the modern workforce has led to the curation of immaculate plexes of high-performance office ecosystems. Today we operate on the modus operandi of integrating world-class safety and security, sustainability, design, customer experience, and technology into the final product.
We have spent the last half of the century endeavouring to provide the Indian metropolitans with state-of-the-art workspace ecosystems which provide innovative solutions ahead of their time. We have worked hand-in-hand with our patrons, which include many Tech Giants and Fortune 500 companies, to collectively christen India as a global Business and Technology hub.
In the 40-odd years since its inception, Noida has come a long way in its evolution as an urban agglomeration. The city has undergone a massive transformation with wide roads, arterial highways, and gleaming buildings. The city is fast emerging as a hotspot for tech giants and promising small enterprises alike. In the last four years, the city, following the vision of 'Digital India' and other progressive IT policies, has become home to innumerable IT industry behemoths. Furthermore, the government's vision of the importance of Data Centres to India's digital ecosystem and the consequent mandate, for companies to store data of Indian citizens locally, has led many multinational giants to acquire land in the city to open data centres.
With the addition of DLF Tech Park to our burgeoning portfolio, we are set to revolutionise the workspace ecosystem in Noida. At DLF, we foster a future-centric approach by anticipating the needs and wants of tomorrow. Spread over an area of 25 acres with a 4 million square feet build potential, DLF Tech Park is a RERA registered project which is strategically located at a close distance to the Noida Expressway and the Metro line.
We at DLF understand the responsibility the business world has towards the community in establishing a thriving business while utilising sustainable strategies. DLF Tech Park, Noida has been planned to be LEED Platinum by the US Green Building Council, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. At DLF Tech Park, Noida we are employing numerous energy-efficient strategies such as the installation of the Integrated Business Management System (IBMS). The system integrates different technologies and harmonises processes in a manner that leads to ease in monitoring, controlling, and optimising energy usage and transmission. This transformation of processes by driving automation and operational efficiency in industries will lead to a significant reduction in the workplace's carbon footprint.
The safety of the workforce has always been essential to the design of DLF Offices. The DLF Tech Park, Noida office exemplifies this, with the installation of the MERV-14 air filtration system in all the phases. This system purifies up to 98% of contaminants in the air, including SARS-COV, thus providing our patron's workforce with clean air at all times. Further, the workspace is built following Seismic Zone-5 guidelines making it an earthquake-resistant structure.
DLF Tech Park, Noida is strategically located on the Noida Expressway, in sector 143. It has seamless connectivity with the major commercial and residential hubs of Delhi-NCR. The Sector 143 Metro Station on the Aqua line is only 700 metres away from the multiblock integrated campus of Tech Park. It has many renowned hotels and malls in its vicinity, with DLF Mall of India, one of the largest mall in the country, being 10 minutes from the complex. The location of DLF Tech Park, Noida ensures a hassle-free commute for the workforce, with the proximity to various recreational hubs also promoting work-life balance.
At DLF Offices, we believe high performance at work is concomitant with a progressive environment that stimulates it. Therefore, we have built world-class offices in line with international standards, which inspires a free flow of ideas and productivity. Atriums and lobbies have been designed with minute attention paid to the wider human sense of aesthetics, DLF Tech Park, Noida is indeed the hallmark for the offices of the future. The increased floor-to-floor height and box shape of the floor leads to plenty of natural light penetration, exemplifying how a building structure lends itself to enrich the work environment.
DLF Offices foresaw the changing winds of the modern workplace. The modern employee has avant-garde needs that are only met through a futuristic workspace. DLF Tech Park, Noida is an initiative to provide an enabling environment for the future of work in Noida, built to foster collaborative endeavours.
The past two years have been one of transition back to working to office spaces. However, what constitutes an optimally functioning, high-performance-oriented work environment today is vastly different from the pre-pandemic conventional office space. The modern workforce is extensively inclined towards integrated, community-oriented office spaces which are receptive to their evolving needs. The triumph of the Great Return to Work is therefore tangential to the provision of a workspace ecosystem that champions employee wellness, safety, and satisfaction.
This has presented a substantial challenge to corporate real estate developers globally, who are still struggling to apprehend the far-reaching consequences of the changing workspace paradigm. In stark contrast, at DLF Offices with our future-oriented approach to workspaces, we have already met these requirements with ease.
We believe that offices should function as a social microcosm, not only viewed as a place to work but as a safe space where creative minds can come together to interact and form communities. Additionally, we are cognizant of the fact that employee productivity is at its peak when the workforce is provided with people-centric social zones. Therefore, at DLF Offices we are committed to providing the future of work with a secure environment that facilitates communication, collaboration and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
The isolation of working from home stripped the workforce of meaningful human interaction. Humans are inherently social beings and they thrive in workspaces designed to foster genuine and tangible communication. The future of work wants to be associated with organisations that have a sociable workspace. These spaces provide a platform for fortuitous and spontaneous ideation thereby leading to a higher level of employee satisfaction and productivity.
At DLF, we recognize that the modern workforce aspires to be in an agile workspace that facilitates connection, communication, and collaboration. Therefore, social integration is crucial to our office designs. Our goal is to provide our employees with a workspace that inculcates in them a sense of community working towards a unified goal.
Our offices are replete with open and breakout spaces which serve as a nexus for organic conversations and a source of respite and movement.
On the back of the pandemic, the workforce today is more diligent than ever about working in a secure environment. A safe workspace provides a platform for unfettered innovation and creation by the future of work. At DLF, we have, therefore, striven to provide employees with state-of-art safety measures at par with international standards. We have been accorded numerous accreditations for maintaining stringent safety standards. Our robust safety measures have been acknowledged with 18 Swords Of Honour by the British Safety Council for the year 2022. Some of the safety measures we have employed are:
As the workforce re-enters corporate offices, it is paramount to recognize how their needs, wants and work ethics have shifted. With over a quarter of their day spent at the office, employees now desire workspaces that are designed to be receptive to their needs. An idyllic office space nurtures a healthy work-life balance for its workforce. This amplifies employee performance and organisational productivity.
We believe the future of work requires progressive, flexible workspaces with numerous recreational avenues which provide them with a comfortable environment to perform at their best. Therefore, at DLF offices our patrons will get a perfect blend of a workspace with the highest technological innovation and office spaces lined with multiple food and beverage avenues, wellness centres, and entertainment zones. Additionally, all the offices are strategically located to be in proximity to major commercial and retail centres.
DLF CyberCity, Gurgaon is a prime example of a holistic workspace curated by DLF Offices. Located in the heart of modern Gurgaon, the Central Business District, is the location of CyberHub and is on the main artery that connects Gurgaon to Delhi, the National Highway 48. CyberHub provides our workforce with innumerous recreation outlets from fine-dining restaurants to pubs and coffee houses, to high-street shopping outlets, to an open-air amphitheatre that hosts everything from concerts to art shows.
The future flourishes in a workspace that pre-eminently values a secure, integrated environment working on the principles of interaction, collaboration, and work-life equilibrium. At DLF Offices we believe the workspace is designed not just for work but to provide a sense of belonging and community to the workforce. Thus, we provide a workspace ecosystem where this vision of an optimal operational workspace is actualized, ensuring a positive, people-centric environ fostering high employee and organisational performance.
A leading study, assessing the relationship between health and the business environment, has revealed that the majority of CXOs credit workplace wellness for employees' higher performance and productivity. The concept of workplace wellness is not limited to just the physical well-being of the workforce. It incorporates a comprehensive set of policies and strategies aiming to create an environment that enhances the overall wellness of employees.
With an average employee spending almost one-third of their waking hours at work, it is imperative that they feel safe, comfortable, and nurtured. It is in such a framework that employee engagement is at its peak. A happy workforce is a prerequisite to a collaborative and innovative workspace.
At DLF offices, we are cognizant that in the contemporary knowledge-based economy, investing in human resources is imperative. Therefore, we are relentless in our efforts to provide top-of-the-line amenities and an unparalleled work experience to clients. Our workspaces function as an integrated network of work and rejuvenation in a secure environment.
Employee productivity is the defining factor of an enterprise's success and is proportional to workforce wellness. The future of work requires progressive spaces wherein concentrated effort is made to ascertain their physical and mental well-being. A happy employee is predisposed to actively take up work initiative and be time-efficient, thereby ascertaining better organisational performance.
When workplace wellness forms an integral part of the design of the workspace, there is an invariable increase in talent acquisition and retention, employee morale, and productivity. An optimum working space postulates an integrated system of health promotion facilities and policies formulated to support positive employee health and behaviour. To provide an optimal ambience for the future of work it is paramount to provide the workforce with world-class infrastructure, bespoke leisure amenities, and superior facility management.
Research shows that employees who feel their workplace is safe are more likely to perform better than those who feel unsafe. Therefore, a safe working environment is pertinent to actualising ideal operational conditions. This empowers them to focus on their work, thereby boosting productivity. The modern workforce is the author of our future. Some measures corporates today can employ to endeavour towards the vision of workplace wellness are:
Workplace wellness plays a key role in the productivity of enterprises. At DLF Offices, we have cultivated an environment that promotes unrestrained innovation and collaboration. We are cognizant of the importance of the workforce's well-being to achieving organisational goals.
Therefore, we have adopted safety and security measures that are at par with international standards. Consequently, our buildings are home to many Fortune 500 companies. We are the first real estate developer in India to have private fire stations equipped with state-of-art rescue equipment. All of our offices have empanelled rapid intervention vehicles and ambulances manned by trained fire and medical personnel, respectively. To provide an optimal ambiance for the future of work, we have invested in world-class infrastructure, bespoke leisure amenities, and superior facility management.
The contemporary workspace ecosystem is undergoing an overarching structural revolution. The return to the workspace post-pandemic involves establishing a workspace that can serve the employees in multiple manners rather than just being a place of work. The new era of the workforce envisages offices as a highly optimised, safe ecosystem that ensures collaboration, high productivity, and performance.
Not only that, the future of work also envisions the workspace as a framework for social support. With the average employee working over 50 hours a week, the workplace becomes integral to the cultivation of social connections, which is a pre requsite for high productivity.
Employees, today seek out workspaces that are an amalgamation of social, recreational, and commercial institutions. These offices are built and designed in a manner to boost organisational productivity and employee performance, while ensuring an optimal work-life balance.
The success of a workspace is contingent upon its ability to not only recruit but also retain top talent. The future of work wants to be associated with an organisation that fosters a community approach toa work. Far from the conventional office spaces, they now desire an ecosystem that buoys up a community-approach to work with ultra-modern workspaces. Subsequently, they require office spaces that provide a comfortable and unrestrained environment that bolsters interaction and collaboration. In addition to boosting productivity, this also fulfils the inherent human need for community.
The establishment of workspaces as inherently a 'vertical community' is further concretized by ensuring an optimum blend of work-life balance for the workforce. This community is lined with social zones such as wellness centres, entertainment zones, restaurants/cafes, and paramedical facilities. With the growing traffic in the metropolitan commercial hubs, the provision of these amenities close to the office allows for ease of accessibility for employees. Therefore, the contemporary multifunctional office spaces provide a holistic work-life-play atmosphere craved by the modern workforce.
With these multifunctional office spaces gaining momentum in the past five years, they have demonstrated to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the communities they're centred in. In addition to attracting and retaining the workforce, these spaces also serve to bolster the local economy by revitalising communities and encouraging private investment.
At DLF, we have striven to design a progressive workspace ecosystem that facilitates collaboration and innovation. We have been relentless in our efforts to create office spaces that are receptive to the paradigm shift in the culture, needs, and ethics of our workforce. We recognise that the future of work requires a modern environment wherein they can develop a healthy work-life equilibrium. Therefore, we have developed office campuses with top-of-the-class recreational facilities, including but not limited to a gymnasium, restaurants, cafes, and medical centres.
Our biophilic designs with sunlight-lit rooms and open spaces serve to re-energize the workforce, boost productivity, and improve their overall well-being. All our offices are equipped with a multiple-tiered security system, thereby ensuring a safe environment for fortuitous interaction by the workforce.
Employees today choose where they work based on numerous experiential conditions. Therefore, workspace ecosystem today must not only facilitate innovation but also support overall well-being by reducing stress and anticipating needs of the modern employees. They desire workspaces designed in a manner that provides them with a sense of community and maintains a work-life balance. This environment has led to an acceleration in the demand for multifunctional office spaces. At DLF Offices we successfully foresaw and fulfilled this demand for avant-garde office spaces functioning as an intersection of work, life, and play.
The workforce of today is the driving force behind futuristic enterprises. They need a workspace that recognises their need for an environment that provides flexibility to match their rapidly changing style of working. At DLF, we foresaw this need for productive workspaces that would make India the vanguard of technological and business innovation.
Spread across 7 cities, DLF has replaced the conventional office space with one that is future-centric. Now, the workplace ecosystem revolves around creating an environment that enables the free interplay of creative innovation. It is this vision which has led to the creation of a holistic workspace that has set a benchmark in sustainability, safety, customer experience, design, and technology.
We have always been preemptive when it comes to the safety of our staff. It is this foresight that has led to the development of innovative technology and the filing of 5 safety patents, to become the first real estate company in India to invest its resources in such objectives. We have designed our spaces to be congruous with international safety guidelines to ensure that the future flourishes with us.
At DLF, we have transformed the way workspaces look and function; breaking away from the conventional mould and creating an entirely new generation of holistic workplace ecosystems. We truly believe that the real estate ecosystem created by DLF has played its part in successfully propelling India as a world leader in technological and business. We have been accorded numerous accreditations such as 18 Swords of Honour from the British Safety Council, which reaffirms our status as a global leader in occupational health and safety. We have also been accorded the WELL Health-Safety seal, which recognizes that the best safety practices have been adopted and third-party verified. The future not only works at DLF workspaces but thrives.
India in The UN Climate Change Conference 2021 stated its bid to become a net-zero carbon economy by 2070. With the built environment being responsible for over 40% of global greenhouse emissions, the reduction of carbon emissions by the real estate sector was one of the focal points of this summit. Furthermore, the post-pandemic world has ushered in the ‘Age of Recovery and Revaluation’ with environment conservation being an omnipresent concern of the social consciousness. The modern workforce is therefore inclined toward businesses that are proactively engaged in reducing carbon emissions while providing exceptional opportunities for economic growth.
One way employees today assess companies' endeavour towards employing green practices is with a renowned Sustainability Certification. U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification is the most distinguished in India and globally, with over 80% Green, Grade A buildings utilising it. With the future of work’s evolving propensity for environmentally responsible workspaces, there is momentum among asset owners and investors alike, towards a new, future-proof workplace. The business owners are now holding themselves accountable, as their success is contingent on them fulfilling their sustainability responsibilities.
The built environment is innately material and operation intensive, with over 30% of its carbon emission being the collateral of raw material procurement and construction process. It is therefore imperative to adopt sustainable practices throughout the building life cycle, right from the pre-construction stage to the actual operation of the building. From adopting energy-efficient mechanisms to water conservation systems to responsible resource procurement, businesses today are engaged in affirmative action to mitigate climate change.
Following are some measures businesses can implement on their journey to actualizing India’s vision of a net zero carbon economy:
Green buildings make use of renewable resources like solar energy which allay the detrimental brunt of traditional energy sources that release toxic greenhouse gases. Employing energy-efficient practices is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. Further, the utilisation of ecologically sound energy sources allows for lower pollution levels and cleaner air for all.
Home to 17% of the world’s population, India possesses a meagre 4% of the global freshwater stock. With the rapid urbanisation steered in by the perpetually expanding built environment, there is increasing pressure on the limited portable water sources. Further, water bodies are rife with industrial waste, and toxic metals, with waterbeds depleting at an alarming level. Consequently, modern employees are seeking organisations that are employing numerous water conservation mechanisms such as rainwater harvesting as well as water treatment plants.
An important component of the WELL Business standard rating, Biophilia is the integration of natural elements such as green spaces, trees, plants, sunlight, etc in the design of workspace infrastructure. Biophilic elements benefit the workforce, the employers, and the environment in myriad ways. These elements not only assist in rejuvenating the workforce by their sheer aesthetic presence but also work to regulate blood pressure and stress level. In addition to providing enhanced air quality to the workforce, including these elements minimise the heat island effect thereby reducing power consumption.
Embellishing India’s skyline since 1946, we at DLF are aware of our responsibility to propel India on its journey toward sustainability. Further, we recognize that for the future of work, it is imperative to continuously innovate to forge green, intelligent, and energy-efficient workspaces. With over 40 mn sq. ft. of our portfolio being LEED-Platinum certified, we are committed to operational excellence while pursuing growth that is environmentally and socially sustainable.
Our sustainability practices commence right from the design stage in a building’s life cycle. All our offices are equipped with water conservation and greywater treatment mechanisms. We are also committed to reducing the dependence on conventional sources of energy. We have installed solar panels at all DLF offices whose carbon emission is negligible, and the wattage is being increased year on year.
At DLF Offices, we provide the modern workforce with a holistic ecosystem wherein they get ultra-modern, flexible office spaces to collaborate and innovate with the best minds, without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
Far from the bygone times when real estate was analogous to an economic commodity, contemporary society acknowledges it as a service that can bring affirmative experiential change on individual and social levels alike. Specifically, in the commercial sector, the occupiers' evolving demands have augmented 'the aspirational' to the unalienable 'must-haves'.
The workforce today is inclined towards businesses that are not only aware of their social responsibility but are proactively working towards creating this holistic working ecosystem.
The sterile, fluorescent-lit workspaces, with enclosed cubicles, are fast becoming obsolete in today's evolving workforce-driven market dynamic. Instead, in the post-pandemic world, workers crave flexible workspaces which cultivate spontaneous communication and collaboration, fulfilling the innate human need for community. Not only that, but such community-driven workspaces also become a nexus for higher employee performance and technological innovation.
Further, with the entire world and India on a mission to actualize a net-zero carbon emission economy, real estate developers today are focused on creating responsible assets. The pandemic has only served to accelerate this need to curate environmentally responsible workspace ecosystems. The future of work warrants workspaces that are attuned to their responsibility to the environment. Therefore, companies today are endeavouring to create a technologically innovative, flexible, and environmentally responsible workspace that facilitates a healthy work-life balance.
With over 75 years in the real estate sector, at DLF we foresaw the changing currents of the workforce culture. We recognize that the modern workforce requires an environment that enables a free play of innovation and collaboration. Our latest state-of-the-art development viz., DLF Downtown, Gurugram exemplifies our consistent efforts to provide futuristic office spaces.
At DLF Downtown you will be the recipient of a myriad of benefits that will make your workspace a luxurious experience. We will briefly elaborate on these benefits as follows.
Spread over an area of nearly 11 million sq. ft.,DLF Downtown (to be developed in phases, with the first phase active and operational) is most ambitious verticals. DLF Downtown is a fine symphony of premium office spaces built at par with international standards, replete with a plethora of urban amenities and encircled by robust social infrastructure. The landmark destination is benchmarked to perfection and is destined to be the hub of business and leisure activities in times to come.
In 2023, we are witnessing a period of transition with the workforce moving back to a new "normal". The success of this new era of work culture is tangent upon the understanding of the shifting work priorities and attitudes of the workforce. The success of the workspace ecosystem is dependent on its ability to facilitate a flexible, high-performance environment, working for and with the needs of its workforce.
At DLF Offices, we are cognizant of the changes in the workforce's personal and professional needs. Here we design workspace ecosystems that make lasting contributions to the community and environment while providing an exceptional experience to our patrons, today and in the future. Our future-centric approach is the catalyst to our cognizance of the changes in the workforce's personal and professional needs. We provide our patrons with secure, sustainably designed, integrated workspaces replete with numerous food and beverage, and leisure amenities. This has resulted in a wave of experiential office spaces by DLF that is a la mode and meets the needs of the modern workforce. Therefore, DLF Offices is setting the benchmark for modern office spaces.
The pandemic has led to reverberations in all aspects of life. It has upended the conventional workspace ecosystem. The standardised office spaces with a labyrinth of cubicles enclosing the workforce seem obsolete in the contemporary context. Instead, workplaces that impel collaborative and unfettered creative innovations are au courant corporate ecosystems. The operational workspace needs to provide a secure environment for modern employees while committing to sustainable solutions to achieve this vision. Further, there's a recognition of increased workforce productivity when an optimal work-life balance is maintained.
The credo for DLF Offices is most eloquently captured in a recent news byte given by a senior DLF management representative; "The pandemic has brought about a change in the way people look at office spaces. They are now keen to have experiential offices that provide work environment flexibility."
While the rest of the country is only now struggling to comprehend and keep up with the workforce's modern predisposition, DLF's foresight has led to the creation of modern workspaces well in advance.
According to publicly available research, data in 80% of Fortune 500 companies, employees with optimal work-life balance work 21% harder. Striking this balance leads to a positive work environment with happier, highly-engaged, and productive workers. There is a requirement for office spaces that promote this equilibrium by providing various recreational sources. These spaces provide a much-needed respite to the employees, allowing them to work with an invigorated frame of mind. Offices today need to be equipped with people-driven amenities such as healthcare services, wellness spaces, food courts, and entertainment zones.
The isolation of working from home has led to the recognition of the importance of open, interactive spaces in the workspace for employees. These spaces enhance creativity, interaction, and productivity. The modern workforce is gravitating towards workspaces that foster a community approach to work. It is imperative to the success of the future of work to henceforth design office ecosystems that are replete with provisions to encourage employee interactions. It is in the comfort of break-out spaces and lounges, that organic interaction between employees ensues.
Further, the future needs a comfortable and nurturing environment with ergonomically designed furniture and flexible workstations to realise its potential. The addition of ergonomic workstations designed according to the needs of the workers leads to a reduction in the occurrences of workplace fatigue and injury. Correspondingly, companies today have also been integrating biophilic designs to customise a workspace that incorporates natural elements as an integral part of its ecosystem. Such designs serve to energise the employees and are a huge departure from prescriptive office spaces. Additionally, the inclusion of elements such as plants and natural light in the workspace allows for increased ventilation and better air quality for the future of work.
The highest level of productivity and innovation happens when the workforce is provided with a safe workspace ecosystem. The pandemic has served to reiterate the importance of a secure environment to ensure employee retention and efficacy. The people who are responsible for the future deserve to work in a safe environment. Therefore, world-class safety and security measures need to be employed to ensure this. Modern workplaces need to be equipped with world-class air filtration systems, such as MERV-14, to ensure the provision of clean, fresh air to patrons, staff, and visitors at all points. This system purifies the air of up to 98% contaminants, including SARS-COV, safeguarding the occupants.
Additionally, in 2023, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that policies safeguarding responsible business practices are implemented. Robust safety measures include but are not limited to the inclusion of dedicated fire stations and paramedical facilities, empanelled to keep offices safe, and apprehension-free zones.
The pandemic has made everyone acutely aware of nature's ability to overpower humans. The future of work has discerned that it is only when environmentally sustainable practices are employed, there is a possibility of a progressive future. The employees today are becoming the champions of sustainability. With the challenges of climate change upon us already, employees are now actively seeking a workspace whose values align with the vision of a sustainably developed business.
Companies worldwide are making a conscious effort to employ eco-friendly practices to preserve nature. Workplaces today are striving to continuously innovate to create greener, more intelligent, and more energy-efficient buildings. Consequently, in 2023 we are witnessing office spaces employ numerous mechanisms to conserve natural resources and neutralise their carbon footprint. With the commercial-built environment proving to be a major change factor, water conservation has been on the radar of the environmentally-conscious modern workforce. Businesses are now striving to invest in a water harvesting system to conserve and reuse potable and reclaimed water. There is also a movement towards the reduction of energy consumption by installing energy-efficient lighting and equipment in the workspace.
The office trends in 2023 showcase that our corporate microcosm is at the crux of transition from orthodox office spaces with circumscribed spaces being a thing of the past. The future of work is calling for highly flexible, customer-driven spaces wherein there is an enhancement of work-life balance while subscribing to sustainable and innovative designs. DLF Offices have been a fundamental part of this transformation of the IT office paradigm in India. We have curated immaculate plexes of high-performance office ecosystems which operate on the principle of providing world-class safety and security, sustainability, work-life balance, customer experience, and technology. Our ESG goal is socio-economic progress and sustainable urbanisation of India.
Our Cyber City Gurugram office, with its collaborative open spaces and co-working spaces, is emblematic of this vision to enhance productivity by encouraging invigorating communication. Additionally, its proximity to the famous recreational and shopping complex, Cyber Hub, with its multiple avenues lined with restaurants and bars exemplifies the pertinence of maintaining a work-life balance for DLF.
Corporates today require much more than cubicles and desks to make great work happen. They need ecosystems that facilitate productive work, convenience, connections, and work-life. Thus, office spaces are calibrating themselves to provide an environment where recreation and high-performance join forces and promote the most satisfactory work experience.
DLF Cyber Park is a workplace built keeping this vision in mind: to revolutionise the way people work. This IT/ITeS office building is spread across 12 acres, equipped with modern amenities to offer a wholesome working environment to Fortune 500 companies and technology leaders.
Amenities such as creche, F&B offerings, and spacious parking make life at DLF Cyber Park convenient for everyone who works here. In addition, The Auditorium that it houses offers the perfect arena to host collaborations, conversations and celebrations. This corporate event venue integrates seamless design and cutting-edge technology to make every event a success.
Ideally, corporate event venues must come with thorough planning to leave no stone unturned. From seating arrangement, proper lighting, sophisticated design to provision of latest technology, an auditorium should have all the basic necessities and more. Since auditoriums bring together people and ideas, they have become essential to have in workplaces. The Auditorium at Cyber Park is a product of this philosophy, and DLF's customer-centric planning.
This is a corporate venue where bright minds can gather to brainstorm ideas and discuss their vision through workshops, seminars, conferences, TED Talks and more. This is also a venue where cultural celebrations come to life. Here, businesses can make the most out of their product launches, company news, training programs, or all other business occasions.
It comes with comfortable seating with a capacity of 145 pax. The upholstered armchairs are positioned around the stage and provide utmost comfort while you enjoy events and presentations. The air quality and ventilation are top-notch and promote fresh air throughout. In addition, the lighting is just appropriate to increase concentration and keep the viewers engaged in the event.
Certainly, organising any event requires a great amount of effort in planning. At The Auditorium, you can bypass this hassle. Discover a convenient method of hosting seminars, conferences, and meetings with the necessary amenities in place and a dedicated in-house concierge.
When great messages are conveyed through the right technology, they are bound to make a long-lasting impact on the audience. To ensure that the experience of the audience is memorable, the auditorium is equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology. The pre-function area encourages meaningful exchanges of ideas.
Its location makes The Auditorium easily accessible from around NCR. However, for attendees who can not make it to the venue, the auditorium also provides seamless online connectivity so that they do not miss out on any moment of the events.
The Auditorium has witnessed multiple events, such as Yellowstone International Film Festival. This show celebrated world-class cinema, and DLF Cyber Park was delighted to serve as the venue for it. In addition, the stand-up show hosted here by Gaurav Gupta was also a huge success.
In every office we plan, every amenity is curated mindfully, contributing to an ideal working environment and work-life balance. The Auditorium at DLF Cyber Park is our vision of the corporate occasions of the future.
Located right on NH 48, DLF Cyber Park consists of 3 interconnected towers. Its proximity to the metro station and robust road connectivity make it easily accessible to the elite talent pool in Delhi and NCR.
Once inside, you experience a high-performance ecosystem. The MERV-14 filtration technology ensures that the air indoors is pure at all times. Touch-enabled entries and baggage screens help achieve the highest standards of hygiene. Further, DLF ascertains maximum safety and security with a 24x7 ambulance, dedicated fire station and on-board paramedical services.
With DLF Cyber Park, the concept of 9 to 5 takes on a new meaning. Here, you can go beyond the conventional notions of working and explore a multitude of ways to make the most of your time here.
The past few years saw more businesses recalibrating themselves as a step towards reaching sustainability goals. This is being done in the light of environmental changes and greater accountability of businesses towards the world around them. Sustainability strategies demonstrate how businesses can contribute to sustainability standards while thriving at the same time.
At DLF Cybercity Gurgaon, we understand how imperative sustainability goals are and how we can shape the future that shapes us. We know that working hand in glove with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategists to build future-proof infrastructure creates a win-win situation. Owing to our foresighted approach and energy-efficient strategies, over 40 million sq. ft of the DLF Offices portfolio nationwide has won U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Platinum certification. Additionally, approx. 36.7 million sq. ft of our portfolio has also been awarded the LEED Zero Water certification, deeming us the world leaders in this accreditation. This is a testament to our resolve to create sustainable office spaces in Gurgaon, and India, where nothing goes to waste.
Here are a few ways in which DLF has incorporated sustainability in the office spaces in DLF Cybercity Gurgaon:
Our visionary strategies are aimed at improving not only the experience of working in offices but also the impact that we have on the world around us. DLF Cybercity Gurgaon is the world's first developer-owned city and community to have won the LEED Platinum certification under the LEED v4.1 Cities and Communities: Existing rating system. But we do not wish to stop here. Our aim is to reach net zero goals very soon with a sustainability-centric and climate-conscious approach.
For companies that share our vision, we provide office spaces for lease in DLF Cybercity Gurgaon that are hailed as some of the world's most sustainable. We are dedicated to creating a working environment that is customer-centric and environment-friendly at the same time. Thus, by working in DLF Cybercity Gurgaon, not only does your productivity flourish, but the ecosystem around it as well.
DLF Cybercity Gurugram has been the spearhead of a new era of workplace development. Our offices have been hailed as the standard for sustainable construction by the leading authorities of the country and world. The latest, and perhaps the most prestigious accolade to be added to our wall is the US Green Building Council's LEED Platinum certification for cities and communities.
The criteria for this certification, of which we are the first-ever recipient, extends beyond sustainable construction. It recognises the holistic excellence of a community - encompassing environmental design, safety, security, connectivity, convenience, recreation and holistic quality of life. It is the highest standard of environmental and individual impact of a real-estate development in modern times.
Developed by USGBC, the LEED program includes stringent checkpoints for governing the buildings. DLF Cybercity Gurugram aced every one of these, a first for commercial buildings in Gurgaon, and the whole world.
Given below is a brief introduction to various aspects of the LEED Platinum certification for Cities and Communities:
- Every building at DLF Cybercity Gurugram is LEED Zero Water and LEED Platinum certified, offering a total of 15 million sq. ft sustainable offices spaces for lease.
- DLF Cybercity Gurugram sets a new benchmark for green building planning, with abundant green spaces in and around the office buildings.
- This office ecosystem has been planned with a robust transportation system that includes multiple bus stops, a dedicated metro service with last-mile connectivity, and multiple EV charging stations.
- Every office building at Cybercity Gurgaon is LEED Zero Water certified, owing to our salient water-conscious planning which includes rainwater harvesting systems and a high-efficiency greywater treatment plant.
- Cybercity Gurugram features state-of-the-art environmental design with solar power modules to harness clean energy. Our cutting-edge chillers, pumps and elevators minimise power consumption, and regular maintenance and monitoring ensures the highest power saving.
- Ours is perhaps the only portfolio of offices spaces in Gurgaon that ensures zero untreated waste discharge. All our solid waste is either recycled, or transferred to the installed composters to be converted into manure and used for landscaping.
- At Cybercity Gurgaon, you get more than just premium workplaces. Here, you receive a refined neighbourhood that is replete with safety, security and recreation amenities unlike any other office building in Gurgaon. The community houses a dedicated fire station with skilled firefighting personnel ready 24x7, and India's first private 90 m Bronto skylift. There are also ambulance on alert round the clock with paramedical teams and all modern medical equipment. Indoors, every building is completely equipped with MERV-14 air filters, the best air purification technology in the country yet. Each building has direct access to Raghvendra Marg, a 16-lane signal-free road for smooth vehicular movement, with several underpasses for easy navigation towards every exit. The buildings house everything our partners need - banks, retail stores, convenience marts, fitness centres, medical centres, restaurants, etc.
- To ensure a healthy and prosperous return for our patrons, and the safety of workforce, we organised COVID vaccination drives for our employees and facility partners. Hundred percent of our employees were vaccinated in a short time.
How does this help our patrons and visitors?
LEED Platinum is a certification of exceptional people and environment-centric planning. It gives our stakeholders the assurance that DLF Cybercity houses not only the most sustainable office buildings in Gurgaon , but also workplaces where individual needs are met, and so is every aspiration they have. When it comes to office spaces in Delhi NCR, Cybercity is the prime choice for MNCs and Fortune 500s.
To enquire for commercial spaces for lease in Gurgaon at Cybercity, you can write to us on (email).
Workplace dynamics around the world are changing. So are the expectations of the workforce from their offices. This means that to ensure productivity, convenience, and optimum work-life balance, office spaces must evolve with the people. At DLF Cybercity Gurgaon, we offer commercial spaces for lease that provide modern IT employees an ecosystem of professional and individual wellbeing.
With 12 state-of-the-art office buildings and a collective IT infrastructure spanning 125 acres, DLF Cybercity is not only the centre of Gurgaon's corporate, but also the epicentre of its growth. Our portfolio comprises workplaces built with the highest standards of safety, service and sustainability, and world-class amenities.
Here are five reasons why DLF Cybercity is your ideal choice for an office in Gurgaon:
Cybercity is nestled right next to NH 48 and Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road. It is easily accessible from Delhi, New Gurgaon, and important industrial destinations like Manesar. It also offers seamless connectivity to railway stations, the airport, and has a number of hotels, hospitals and premier residential addresses at a stone's throw. This makes commutes and visits quick and convenient for our patrons. Moreover, Cybercity is home to Fortune 500 companies and global leaders, which makes it a key location for leasing commercial spaces in Gurgaon.
Workplaces in DLF Cybercity Gurgaon come with all the essential offerings you expect - fast WiFi connectivity, 100% power backup, centralised air-conditioning, etc. Along with these, you find everything to make your work-life easier and more enriching. The project houses approximately 22,000 parking spots with RFID technology. This means that you and your visitors can arrive at the office without worrying about the parking hassle. Moreover, every building enjoys direct access to a 16-lane signal-free road joining NH 48. This road features multiple underpasses so that you can get around the workplace quickly, and you're never late for anything. There are multiple foot-over bridges interconnecting the buildings, so that inter-building walks become easier and collaboration flows free.
The entire DLF Cybercity Gurgaon portfolio has won the British Safety Council Sword of Honour. It is the world's highest safety certification for office buildings. Our salient health-safety and security measures include a dedicated fire station with India's first private 90-m-high skylift. The project also has paramedical teams and ambulances on standby 24x7, along with many super-speciality hospitals in vicinity. The buildings are equipped with thermal imaging cameras for instant detection of fires. A squad of 500 adept guards and a round-the-clock emergency response team are in place across all buildings to give you complete safety assurance.
To ensure safety against COVID, all commercial spaces on lease at Cybercity have been equipped with MERV-14 air filters which remove COVID particles from indoor air. DLF Offices is the only developer in the country to equip their entire portfolio with this air filtration technology. Moreover, all the staff and facility partners at our workplaces have been vaccinated against COVID for their protection, and that of our tenant employees and visitors. Our COVID-safety measures have won us two prestigious recognitions - the British Safety Council COVID-19 Assurance Statement, and the WELL Health-Safety rating.
This means that you can be assured of your safety and that of your employees when you consider choosing offices on rent at Cybercity.
Every commercial building in DLF Cybercity Gurugram has won the LEED Zero Water certification, assuring that our gross water recycling and conservation amounts exceed our actual consumption. And, the Cybercity ecosystem is LEED Platinum certified by the USGBC. This award, the highest in the world, testifies that our sustainability and wellbeing practices are uncompromised, and an example for workplaces globally.
The commercial spaces in Cybercity Gurgaon are equipped with cutting-edge elevators and chillers that minimise energy consumption. Our efficient, sensor-powered lights ensure minimum idle usage, and the rainwater harvesting pits and solid waste treatment plants help us care better for nature.
Inaugurated in 2013, DLF CyberHub is an integrated food and business district within Cybercity Gurgaon. It houses multifarious retail, dining and entertainment offerings, along with services like banks and ATMs. It also has dedicated engagement zones and offers a great breakout avenue to the employees of this workplace ecosystem.
For companies looking to lease or rent office spaces in Gurgaon, DLF Cybercity is the optimum choice. Built on the DLF principles of infrastructure, safety, sustainability and customer-centricity, this modern work address offers everything that organisations need for optimum working conditions. It also delivers the finer details that individuals require for a better work-life balance and holistic growth.