PwC Tower: LEED Gold Certification for Environmental Sustainability

The masterplan not only reconnects a previously inaccessible area to the city through thoughtful urban integration, but also introduces new office buildings, a multi-level retail complex, and residential blocks. A defining feature of the project is its location within one of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe, directly linked to the Milan metro system.

Environmental sustainability has been a key focus since the inception of the project. All buildings feature high energy-efficiency standards and utilize district heating and groundwater-based cooling systems, which operate without producing CO₂ emissions.

Within the masterplan, the three office towers—each with a distinct architectural identity by Isozaki, Hadid, and Libeskind—stand as iconic landmarks on Milan’s evolving skyline.

The Libeskind Tower, inspired by the Renaissance dome and reinterpreted through a concave upward movement culminating in a striking “crown,” reaches a height of 175 meters with 28 above-ground floors and 3 underground levels, for a total area of approximately 33,000 square meters. Like Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, the tower’s arching form symbolizes protection of the public space below—serving as both an urban and territorial gesture.

Designed with cutting-edge construction and environmental sustainability in mind, the Libeskind Tower has become one of the most recognizable buildings in Milan’s new skyline. This is formally recognized through its LEED Core & Shell certification.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized voluntary certification system for evaluating building sustainability.

For the Libeskind Tower, the developer CityLife, supported by consultants Manens-Tifs, MaxFordham, and RINA, committed to achieving LEED Gold certification. The construction company CMB, together with sustainability consultants Greenwich, was tasked with delivering and certifying the project.

The LEED system evaluates several key criteria, including:

Sustainable Site Development

The selection and planning of a building’s site are fundamental components of sustainable construction.

The Libeskind Tower is located within a pedestrian-friendly green area enriched with services and retail spaces. A metro line accessible directly from the main square provides convenient access, significantly reducing car dependency and vehicle emissions. The underground parking facility includes dedicated spaces for alternative-fuel vehicles and car-sharing services, further encouraging the use of efficient and shared transportation options.

During the entire construction phase, specific measures were implemented and closely monitored to control dust dispersion and pollution generated by construction activities.

Water Efficiency

To reduce water consumption within the building, faucets have been equipped with aerators and flow restrictors, while dual-flush toilet tanks are connected to a dual water network. These measures have led to a reduction in water usage of over 40% compared to standard reference scenarios.

Energy and Atmosphere

The project integrates high-performance energy solutions aimed at significantly reducing the building’s energy consumption. These include:
 • Extensive use of photovoltaic systems
 • Evaporative towers and high-efficiency chillers
 • LED lighting fixtures
 • A centralized HVAC management system

All mechanical systems underwent a commissioning process to verify that the installed equipment meets the performance criteria established in the design phase.

Materials and Resources

The selection of construction materials was guided by strong environmental criteria:
 • Recycled content accounts for more than 20% of the total material value, with a preference for products sourced and manufactured locally
 • Wood used in finishes comes from responsibly managed forests, ensuring long-term health and productivity
 • Waste materials were monitored throughout construction: the site waste management plan enabled the recycling of over 95% of total construction waste

Indoor Environmental Quality

Indoor environmental quality greatly impacts the health, productivity, and overall well-being of occupants.

LEED encourages the protection of interior spaces from pollutants. The building was designated as a smoke-free zone from the start of construction, and all chemicals used on site were selected for their low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful when inhaled.

To ensure clean air and comfort during and after construction, ventilation and HVAC systems were sealed to prevent dust accumulation and contamination.

An automated lighting control system also enhances visual comfort, contributing to optimal interior lighting conditions for occupants.

Conclusion

The LEED certification confirms that the measures taken during both the design and construction phases were aimed at delivering a high-performance building—beneficial not only for the environment but also for the people who live and work within it.