The British Council in Pakistan on Thursday announced that it has been awarded the "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) gold certification for the Lahore Library, an international award for environmental innovation by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
The new Lahore Library is Pakistan's first LEED certified public building and the first LEED project in the historic city of Lahore. Nayyar Ali Dada, the distinguished architecture firm with a strong track record in heritage projects was brought on board to provide a contemporary design for the library building that would complement the look of the main British Council Lahore office, a colonial red-brick structure belonging to the Church of Pakistan.
The USGBC designates LEED certification to buildings that demonstrate outstanding performance in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The LEED rating system, developed by USGBC, is the foremost programme for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
"We are proud to receive this certification for our Lahore library," said Rosemary Hilhorst, Country Director, British Council Pakistan. "It is our belief that we have a responsibility to help create a greener world for our community and future generations, and this project was an important part of our overall sustainability efforts."