Green Climate Fund Gets Greener: JLL's Sustainable Office Makeover

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) sought a long-term partner to restack and refurbish their current and future office spaces, while establishing a long-term design strategy. This project, located in the G-Tower in Songdo, Incheon, encompassed 102,193 sqm (1.1 million sq ft) across 12 floors. GCF aim to create a sustainable and healthy office environment that offered flexibility, space optimization, and promoted employee engagement for approximately 350 staff members.

JLL met this challenge by providing a comprehensive services including design consultancy, interior construction, and relocation management. The team's sustainability-focused approach aligned perfectly with GCF's mission and values. JLL proposed a modular design allowing for quick, cost-efficient interiors adaptable to fluctuations in staff numbers or restructuring needs.

Sustainability and waste reduction were central to the project. JLL reused over 90% of existing furniture, including office chairs, desks, and drawers. The team prioritized eco-friendly building products and materials with high recycled content, often sourced from local manufacturers to reduce environmental impact. These sustainability efforts diverted 131 tons of waste from landfills.

Indoor environmental quality was another key focus. JLL used low VOC materials, incorporated interior plants to improve air quality, and applied photo catalysis spray to reduce chemical fumes from new interior materials. To address modern health concerns, the team established a 4-meter clear distance between workstations to minimize virus transmission risk.

The design concept centered on creating a workspace that embodies GCF's commitment to sustainability and global impact. The 12th and 17th floors, serving as the company's public face, were designed to make a lasting impression. A striking reception area featuring the GCF logo establishes the organization's identity to visitors at first glance.

At the core of the office, an open work lounge fosters collaboration and harmony. Neutral tones create a cohesive backdrop, while earthy accents bring warmth and balance to the overall palette. A modernized 'tree of life' form serves as the central architectural centerpiece, symbolizing unity and vitality, and represents GCF's role as a nexus for climate fund initiatives that reach globally. The surrounding colors, materials, and interior elements radiate outward from this central feature, reinforcing the earthy, grounded aesthetic that defines the space.

JLL navigated challenges including frequent last-minute layout changes and managing multiple communication channels from the client. Through close communication with GCF and effective coordination with their project manager, the team ensured successful preparation of swing spaces for phased construction and a smooth relocations.

As a result, GCF now enjoys a smart and sustainable workplace environment that aligns with their organizational goals. The project not only met the client's needs for a flexible, eco-friendly workspace but also demonstrated JLL's ability to handle complex, large-scale transformations with a strong sustainability focus. This successful collaboration showcases JLL's commitment to creating workspaces that are functional, efficient, environmentally responsible, and future-ready.