BBVA's New York office earns LEED Gold certification for sustainable construction
BBVA has received LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for the sustainability of its office located at 389 9th Avenue in New York. This recognition, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), accredits the entity's commitment to energy efficiency, responsible use of resources and the creation of healthy spaces for its professionals and customers.
BBVA's New York office, located in the Two Manhattan West tower, has around 520 employees, mainly from the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) area. It is located in a building that has previously been LEED certified, reflecting BBVA's commitment to a sustainable real estate model that promotes efficient use of resources and fosters healthy indoor environments. This strategy also translates into economic and social benefits, such as reduced operating costs and increased occupant productivity.
The headquarters is located in one of the most accessible areas of Manhattan, with immediate access to public transport, shops, parks and cultural destinations. Its proximity to several underground stations and bus stops promotes sustainable mobility, reduces dependence on private vehicles and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Efficient use of water and energy
Since moving to this location at the end of 2024, the financial institution has introduced a series of improvements that have enabled it to achieve LEED Gold certification. The project has incorporated low-consumption taps and sanitary ware that reduce drinking water use by 35% compared to the standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The facilities have been designed and verified to ensure the efficient operation of all air conditioning, lighting and energy consumption systems. Thanks to these measures, the office has achieved a 16% saving in energy costs compared to a standard building in the United States. In addition, meters have been installed to enable comprehensive monitoring of energy consumption.
Materials and resources
During construction, responsible procurement and waste management practices were adopted, enabling 78% of construction waste to be recycled and diverted from landfill. In addition, 16% of the cost of materials came from products with sustainable attributes, such as recycled content, and were used. Materials with Environmental Product Declarations that guarantee transparency and reduce health impacts.
BBVA's headquarters in New York becomes the bank's 20th building to achieve LEED Gold certification, which also has 11 certified branches. In total, the bank has over one million square metres certified in countries such as Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Türkiye.
With this certification, BBVA reinforces its global commitment to sustainability and advances its goal of reducing the environmental footprint of its operations, in line with its strategy to combat climate change and promote the transition to a greener economy.