In an era where organisations are accelerating their sustainability commitments, Citi Bank has taken a bold step by transforming its Seef Branch into a future‑ready, environmentally responsible workplace. Through a comprehensive LEED‑aligned strategy and meticulous project management, the bank successfully delivered a modern, efficient, and sustainably designed interior that is setting a benchmark for green office environments in Bahrain’s financial sector.
As we partnered with the Citi project team and LEED consultants to lead the sustainability, material compliance, and documentation processes. We made sure every design, procurement, and construction decision supported the bank’s LEED ID+C v4 Gold certification target.
Citi Bank’s objective was clear:
Create a high‑performance workspace that enhances employee well‑being while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of daily operations.
Located in one of Bahrain’s busiest financial districts, the new 10,000+ sq. ft. office brings together aesthetics, comfort, efficiency, and sustainability that embody Citi’s global ESG ambitions.
From the outset, the project embraced core principles of green design, including indoor air quality protection, responsible material selection, waste minimisation, and energy‑efficient systems integration.
1. Responsible Sourcing & Material Compliance
A critical component of the certification involved selecting products that met LEED requirements for:
Low VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings
Recycled content and regionally sourced materials
Products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
FSC‑certified wood where applicable
We coordinated with more than a dozen suppliers to obtain:
Every material used, from partitions to coatings to MEP items, was screened for LEED compliance, ensuring the space was not only beautiful, but also healthy.
2. Local & Regional Procurement to Reduce Carbon Footprint
To minimise transportation emissions and support regional manufacturers, the project prioritised materials sourced within 800 km, contributing to LEED MRc5 (Regional Materials).
Examples include:
This strategy strengthened the local value chain while lowering embodied carbon in the construction process.
3. Cutting Waste Through Strategic Construction & Demolition Management
Sustainability began before construction even started.
During demolition, the project implemented structured waste segregation systems for:
A significant portion of demolition materials were recycled through certified facilities, while reusable items such as furniture and pallets were recovered for future use.
This approach aligned with LEED MR Credit: Construction Waste Management, demonstrating Citi’s commitment to circularity.
4. Protecting Indoor Air Quality During Construction
Throughout the fit‑out process, meticulous IAQ protection ensured the office remained safe, clean, and free from contaminants.
Measures included:
Bi‑weekly IAQ photographic reports were submitted to the LEED consultant to ensure continuous compliance.
5. Energy & Water Efficiency: Designing for Long‑Term Performance
To reduce operational costs and minimise environmental impact, the office integrates:
These features collectively support LEED credits for energy performance and water efficiency.
A Workplace Designed for Well‑Being and Productivity
Beyond technical achievements, Citi Bank’s Seef office offers a thoughtfully designed environment that prioritises user experience:
The result is a high‑performance, human‑centric workspace that enhances comfort, focus, and collaboration, while reducing operational environmental impact.
Documentation Excellence: A Key to Certification Success
A large part of LEED certification depends not only on sustainable practices, but also on accurate, transparent, and timely documentation.
Havelock One developed and submitted:
This rigorous documentation ensured full traceability and compliance with every LEED requirement.
The Outcome: A Modern, Sustainable, and Responsible Workplace
Through strong collaboration, careful planning, and our teams commitment to green building principles, the Citi Bank Seef Branch achieved:
This project demonstrates Citi Bank’s leadership in sustainable workplace transformation that is setting a new standard for environmentally conscious corporate spaces in the region.