Bob W Koti Katajanokka – a property recently added to our offering in Helsinki – scored 89 points in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4, earning a Platinum rating. 

This is the highest score in the European Union and fourth highest globally a building has achieved under the Building Design and Construction category. In addition to preserving the charm of the over 100-year-old building, the property gained some neat new features, including 290 installed solar panels that produce nearly 20% of the annual energy consumption of the building.

Environmental impact of the industry

The tourism sector is responsible for 8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions (source), while the construction sector is responsible directly and indirectly for around one-third of global energy- and process-related CO2 emissions (source).

There is a roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and the built environment plays a big role in achieving this (source). Since the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), there is a global call to make the tourism sector in particular fit within the Paris Agreement, to halve emissions in the next ten years, and reach net zero emissions before 2050, known as The Glasgow Declaration.

Big sustainability potential for older properties

In the recently acquired building in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, Bob's hospitality charm meets exemplary sustainability efforts. This is why the Jungmann property, which houses Bob W Koti Katajanokka and 64 units, has now been named a Bob Flagship Building.

This accomplishment highlights the excellence of this project and demonstrates the potential for older buildings to undergo refurbishments that adhere to modern sustainability standards without compromising their historical charm. The Jungmann building was originally constructed in 1907 and underwent a full refurbishment following the LEED certification framework.

Sustainable buildings are the cornerstone of being able to offer a sustainable hospitality product. The property thus plays a pioneering role in the sustainability performance of Bob W, especially in the hospitality industry in Europe.

To learn more about our sustainability efforts at Bob W, check out our sustainability page and report. 

Book your stay at Bob W Koti Katajanokka today.