SANKO Holding’s headquarters office buildings in Gaziantep have been awarded the prestigious LEED Gold certification, one of the world’s most recognized green building certification systems, in recognition of their outstanding success in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. This achievement highlights SANKO Holding’s environmentally conscious approach and its commitment to sustainability.

The A and B Blocks of the SANKO Holding Headquarters, located in Şehitkamil, Gaziantep, have earned the LEED Gold certification, one of the most respected certifications in the field of eco-friendly buildings on the international stage. The certificate, issued in December 2024 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and approved by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), was granted in the Building Design and Construction category for LEED v4 New Construction and Major Renovations. This significant development, which crowns SANKO’s success in environmental sustainability, was communicated with a signed letter from Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI. 

Pioneering Steps for a Sustainable Future

The SANKO Holding Headquarters Offices stood out during the LEED certification process for their exceptional performance in key areas such as water efficiency, energy efficiency, and responsible material usage. The project was carried out with an approach aimed at minimizing environmental impacts at every stage, from design to the completion of construction.

Ahmet Sayın, General Manager of Poligon Construction, a group company of SANKO, shared his thoughts on the project’s sustainability approach: “In the SANKO Holding Headquarters project, as Poligon Construction, we made sure to take every step in line with sustainable development goals, from the design process to construction and from construction to operational stages. We aimed to minimize our environmental impact by implementing best practices in areas like water and energy efficiency, waste management, and material selection. I congratulate all my team members who contributed to this project.”

An Exemplary Water Efficiency Project 

The building’s success in water efficiency is one of the key elements of the LEED certification. 

• 76% savings in indoor water use: The use of low-flow fixtures, faucets, toilets, and showerheads results in a 76% reduction in water consumption compared to standard buildings. Additionally, the use of treated greywater in toilets further reduces water usage. 
• 59% reduction in outdoor water use: In the landscaping design, plants that are compatible with local climate conditions and require low water were selected. The use of rainwater harvested for landscaping irrigation reduced the need for municipal water by 59%. 
• Water measurement and monitoring: In addition to the main water meter of the building, rainwater and irrigation water consumption are also monitored to track usage and control leaks and losses. 

Energy Efficiency at Its Peak 

The SANKO Holding Headquarters Offices also feature exemplary energy efficiency measures. 

• 56% energy savings: The building consumes 56% less energy compared to international standard buildings. Eco-friendly energy systems, highly reflective roofing materials, and superior insulation contribute to this achievement. 
• 39% lower greenhouse gas emissions: Thanks to energy efficiency measures, the building emits 39% less greenhouse gases than similar buildings. 
• Renewable energy generation: The 328 kWp photovoltaic solar energy system installed on the roof meets 38% of the building’s annual energy needs. 
• Advanced energy measurement: In addition to measuring main electricity and natural gas consumption, the building also tracks usage for hot water, heating, lighting, and plug loads in detail. 

Environmentally Responsible Material Usage

 The SANKO Holding Headquarters Offices also demonstrate a responsible approach to material selection. 

• Recycling-focused waste management: 75% of the solid waste generated during construction was recycled and reused. 
• Environmental product declarations: Materials with documented environmental impacts throughout their life cycle (EPD-certified materials) were preferred. 
• Recycled content: 25% of the building materials contain recycled content. 
• Local material use: The environmental impact associated with material transportation was minimized by using locally sourced materials. 

Other Notable Eco-Friendly Practices 

In addition to water and energy efficiency and responsible material usage, the SANKO Holding Headquarters Offices implemented eco-friendly measures in the following areas: 

• Sustainable land use: Construction-related pollution was prevented, and open and green spaces were carefully designed to reduce the urban heat island effect and light pollution. 
• Central location and public transportation: Sensitive areas were preserved, and parking spaces were minimized to encourage the use of green vehicles. 
• Indoor environmental quality: High-quality indoor air, natural ventilation, tobacco smoke control, low-emission materials, lighting, and daylight usage contribute to a comfortable and healthy working environment. 

The LEED Gold certification of the SANKO Holding Headquarters Office proves the company’s commitment to sustainability and its environmentally conscious approach. This project stands out as an exemplary green building initiative for Gaziantep and Türkiye, contributing to the goal for a more sustainable world for future generations.