JLL Belux's journey to a sustainable future

In an era of rapid workplace evolution, companies are facing the challenge of adapting to new work paradigms while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. JLL Belgium is at the forefront of this transformation, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality on scopes 1 and 2 by 2030.

How can a company transform its workspace to not only meet current sustainability and employee well-being standards but also set a new benchmark for the future of work?

This was the challenge JLL Belux faced when deciding to relocate their Belux headquarters in Brussels. They needed a solution that would align with their commitment to sustainability, enhance employee experience, and showcase their expertise in creating cutting-edge work environments. The company had to address several key questions:

• How to create a workspace that supports both in-office and remote work?
• How to minimize their carbon footprint while maximizing employee well-being?
• How to design a space that fosters collaboration and breaks down departmental silos?
• How to implement circular economy principles in their office design and furnishing?

JLL Belux took a holistic approach to this challenge, leveraging expertise across multiple business lines. The project incorporated key strategic growth pillars: sustainability, technology, and future of spaces.

The journey began with the Agency Leasing team's tenant representation services, conducting a thorough "stay-or-go" analysis to determine the best course of action. The company chose to return to their former home at Montoyer 10 (M10) in Brussels, now completely redeveloped as a cutting-edge, sustainable building. This decision aligned perfectly with their sustainability goals, as the building boasts BREEAM Outstanding and CO2-Neutral certifications.

Consultancy Services then developed a tailored workplace strategy and initiated change management processes. The project involved a collaborative approach, with stakeholders actively participating in the co-development of the brief and engaging in co-design sessions to ensure the final solution met all requirements and reflected shared vision.

Next, Tétris Design&Build took charge of workplace design, creating innovative layouts, selecting sustainable furniture, and overseeing construction with a focus on circular economy principles.

As the physical space took shape, JLL Technologies (JLLT) integrated cutting-edge IT solutions, enabling innovative hybrid meeting rooms and immersive welcome screens.

Throughout the process, Consultancy Services continued to guide change management initiatives, preparing employees for the new work environment, by organizing different workshops with the employees.

The approach included:

1. Comprehensive sustainability focus, aiming for BREEAM Outstanding and CO2-Neutral certifications for the building.
2. Implementation of flex office design to enhance collaboration and adapt to hybrid work models.
3. Prioritizing employee well-being by targeting WELL Platinum certification for interior spaces.
4. Integrating cutting-edge technology to support hybrid work.
5. Applying circular economy principles in interior design and furnishing.

JLL Belgium's new headquarters at Montoyer 10 stands as a testament to innovation in workplace design and sustainability.

The project showcases cutting-edge solutions that redefine the modern office environment.

The office features immersive welcome screens and state-of-the-art hybrid meeting rooms, bridging the gap between in-office and remote work.

In terms of sustainability, JLL pushed boundaries by incorporating 50-80% reused materials for glazing, partitions, and coverings, demonstrating creative problem-solving in circular economy principles. The unique approach to space utilization, including the strategic use of the ground floor for maximum visibility and interaction, further exemplifies JLL's innovative mindset.

By combining these elements, JLL Belgium has created a living laboratory of workplace innovation, setting new benchmarks for the industry and providing a tangible example of their expertise in creating future-ready work environments.

Interesting elements of the project included:

1. Connecting two floors with an open internal staircase to enhance collaboration.
2. Innovative use of the ground floor space for maximum visibility and interaction.
3. Integration of 50-80% reused materials for glazing, partitions, and coverings.
4. Implementation of immersive welcome screens and hybrid meeting rooms.

Vladimir Guinez, Senior project manager Tétris Design&Build , adds: "We aimed for 50-80% reused materials for glazing, partitions and wall and floor coverings. We even used leftover laminates from local joinery suppliers for finishes. It required creative thinking and strong partnerships. We challenged our partners to find ecological, sustainable, and economic solutions."

The new JLL Belux headquarters stands as a living showcase of the company's expertise in creating sustainable, people-centric work environments. It demonstrates how sustainability, employee well-being, and business success can coexist and thrive together.

Amandine Chizelle, Director North Region & Tétris Design&Build Belux, highlights the human-centric approach: "When employees come to the office, they experience unique and varied areas tailored to different tasks and interactions. The design enhances interactions, creating collaborative opportunities that aren't achievable in remote work environments."

Sebastien Giordano Country Lead of JLL Belux summarizes the project's significance: "Reducing our carbon footprint and delivering a sustainable project was the driving force behind every decision we made. Our new HQ proves that sustainability, employee wellbeing, and business success can thrive together, positioning us as trailblazers in creating a more sustainable built environment This change of address goes much beyond relocation: it's a bold statement of our vision to shape the future of real estate for a better world."