5-minute read - by Andrea Powers, April 26, 2023
In the past five years, the number of employees at ASML has more than doubled, from around 20,000 at the start of 2018 to more than 40,000 today. This incredible growth means that more space is needed for those employees to do their jobs – more office buildings, more logistics centers, more everything. This rapid expansion is supported by a wide range of sustainability goals, including sustainable construction practices, that will help balance our need to maximize capacity with our desire to minimize our impact on the community and the environment.
By conservative estimates, the construction industry is responsible for more than 30% of the world’s natural-resource extraction and a quarter of the solid waste generated.1 In fact, the built world is one of the biggest contributors to global emissions – according to the World Green Building Council, the construction and operation of buildings accounts for 36% of global energy use and 39% of energy-related CO2 emissions.2 Incorporating sustainability practices into building construction is an important way in which companies can reduce their environmental impact.
What is sustainable building?
The definition of a sustainable building is relatively simple: It’s a structure that has been built using principles and processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient. The construction takes into account the effects on the surrounding natural environment, as well as the social aspects of use and impact on the community. This environmental and social philosophy encourages a holistic approach that considers the entire life cycle of a building, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
Green areas, such as roofs, can help promote biodiversity and improve employee well-being.
