Estée Lauder achieves LEED Gold certification for its logistics and office extension in Oevel

The international Sustainable Development Goals, adapted to the local context

Estée Lauder Companies has established a group-wide policy that new builds and refurbishments must comply with recognised sustainability standards such as LEED. This requirement stems from pressure from investors and customers, but needs to be adapted to local circumstances: what is feasible for this specific project, which choices create real added value for staff, and how can the local team avoid getting bogged down in a complex international certification process? For the expansion of their site in Oevel — a combination of logistics and office space — Estée Lauder had little experience with LEED itself and was seeking independent guidance.

A pragmatic approach to LEED certification

Encon took full responsibility for the process, from the initial pre-assessment in 2021 to the final certification in 2025. Through a gap analysis and optimisation study, we clearly identified which credits were achievable and what level needed to be targeted to comply with the group policy. A cost-benefit analysis was carried out for each measure, ensuring that the focus was not on maximising the number of credits, but on securing the right ones. Encon coordinated the evidence gathering throughout all phases and worked closely with the contractor, the client and the relevant engineering firms. This allowed Estée Lauder’s local team to focus on its own operations.

A LEED Gold certificate offering tangible added value

In August 2025, the project achieved LEED Gold certification: 64 out of 110 points on the LEED v4 BD+C scheme for warehouses and distribution centres. The energy simulation shows an energy cost saving of 44.8% compared with a reference building in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Over 30% of energy consumption is met by on-site renewable energy generation; indoor water consumption is 71.87% lower than the reference. In addition to energy and water performance, credits were also awarded for thermal comfort, acoustics, air quality and CO₂ monitoring — each representing demonstrable improvements for the people who work in the building every day. The certificate provides Estée Lauder with concrete evidence for investors and customers that the group’s ambitions are also being realised at a local level.