International. The headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently obtained LEED Platinum v 4.1 certification for its operations and maintenance.
This certification represents the highest form of recognition within the LEED program, the sustainable building certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
For this reason, obtaining it has meant prioritizing resource efficiency, the circular economy, respectful integration into the local landscape and the comfort of users. As a result, the building became one of the most sustainable buildings in the world when it opened in June 2019.
In fact, it was the first to earn LEED Platinum v.4 Design & Build certification, receiving 94 points, the highest score at the time. In addition, it received the highest level (Platinum) from the Swiss National Standard for Sustainable Building (SNBS) and the Swiss Standard for Energy-Efficient Buildings (Minergie P).
This latest achievement further cements Olympic House's position as one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. With 82 points out of 100, Olympic House achieved the highest LEED operations score in Switzerland, placing it among the top 10 percent of certified buildings in Europe.
"We are proud to receive LEED Platinum certification for IOC HQ operations. As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of its inauguration, the IOC remains dedicated to maintaining the highest global standards of sustainability, both in terms of its daily operations and the comfort of its users," said IOC President Thomas Bach.
Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, said the LEED Platinum certification from the Olympic House in Lausanne demonstrates the International Olympic Committee's commitment to maintaining the highest level of sustainable building performance.
"Certification ensures that continued operations and maintenance practices help advance sustainability goals, including climate action, resource conservation, and occupant health. Olympic House is a model of sustainable building operations, offering higher performance while protecting people and the environment," he said.
About Certification
LEED Platinum v 4.1 for Operations and Maintenance evaluates Olympic House's performance across several key metrics that undergo regular monitoring, including energy and water use, waste management, air quality, user comfort, and staff travel. The certificate is valid for three years.
The optimisation measures implemented during the design and construction of Olympic House, and since its inauguration, have helped to achieve significant reductions in electricity and water consumption. As a result, the IOC has halved its energy use per square meter and its drinking water use per occupant by 50% to 75%, compared to the previous IOC headquarters.
The IOC has also achieved a 50% decrease in non-recyclable office waste per employee since 2019, thanks to initiatives including a reduction in the number of bins, minimising single-use plastics and promoting recycling practices.
The IOC has also introduced measures to promote active and healthy lifestyles, including subsidies and infrastructure to encourage sustainable mobility and a flexible working structure.
These measures have further contributed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices among IOC staff. More than 60% of staff members now use sustainable mobility options, such as walking, cycling or public transport.
