Origo Shopping Centre Awarded Prestigious BREEAM In-Use Certification

The “Origo” shopping centre (specifically, the reconstructed building A), developed by “Linstow Baltic” – the leading real estate developer in the Baltics – has been awarded the prestigious BREEAM In-Use certificate, the world’s foremost method for assessing building sustainability. Together with already obtained BREEAM New Construction certificates this certification confirms “Origo’s” high standards in sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as excellence in management and operational quality. This achievement places “Origo” building A as the second-highest rated retail property in Latvia and the first to be certified for performance in building management.

“Attaining the BREEAM In-Use certification for the reconstructed part (on top of the BREEAM New Construction certificates for the newly built part) represents a significant milestone that underscores our strategic focus on sustainable growth and adherence to the highest standards of operational excellence. This achievement not only reinforces “Origo” shopping centre’s role as a modern retail and business hub but also highlights its contribution to the broader development of the urban environment. Sustainability principles are integrated across all aspects of “Origo’s” operations – from environmental accessibility and energy efficiency to effective resource management and responsible business practices. These demonstrate our alignment with international standards and strengthen s/c “Origo’s” competitiveness in the field of sustainability, while also setting a benchmark for other shopping centres in Latvia. Moreover, both our visitors and tenants greatly value environmentally friendly and innovative solutions that enhance their everyday experience," says Andis Kublačovs, “Linstow Baltic’s” Project development and sustainability director.

S/c “Origo’s” development strategy incorporates a range of initiatives aligned with global sustainability goals, focusing on environmental accessibility and the creation of a comfortable environment for both employees and visitors. With a score of 67.7% in the ‘Very Good’ category, the building ranks second among all shopping centres in Latvia. Furthermore, Origo is the first retail property of its kind in the country to receive a BREEAM In-Use certification for building management, earning a ‘Good’ rating (46.1%). This marks a significant step forward in the ongoing pursuit of even higher sustainability standards and targets in the coming years.

The highest BREEAM In-Use certification scores for the expanded section of s/c Origo were achieved in the following categories:

- Resource usage – 78.3% in the building assessment, 85.7% in the building management assessment

- Energy efficiency – 72.3% in the building assessment

- Resilience and sustainability – 72.2% in the building assessment

In 2021, the expanded section of the “Origo” shopping centre (specifically, the newly constructed  building E) received the BREEAM New Construction certification with the highest rating among all shopping centres in the Baltic States, and the Origo One Business Center got the highest rating among all office centers in Latvia. These certificates are still valid. Additionally, the expanded “Origo” building and the “Origo One” business centre were recognised as the most sustainable buildings in Latvia.

For the convenience of “Origo” shopping centre visitors, a drinking water filler stand has been installed, a medical aid room has been outfitted, the centre is also now conveniently accessible to people with reduced mobility via the specially equipped elevators, and the building is now also adapted to the needs of the visually impaired customers – there are Braille signs in the elevators and on the handrails in the staircases. “Origo” is one of the first shopping centres in the Baltics to introduce tactile guides in the building, which allow visitors with visual impairments to move around comfortably. 

The building is also designed with families and children in mind – there is an interactive play wall, children and parents’ space, as well as special parking spaces allocated for families and other amenities. The shopping centre and the surrounding infrastructure are designed to be equally convenient for access by car and bicycle, by public transport, by pedestrians and visitors with prams and people with reduced mobility. Several charging stations for electric cars are available in the underground car park, as well as specially marked places for cars arriving with 2 or more people. Sustainable construction materials were used in the construction of the new “Origo” building and special attention was paid to ensuring energy efficiency, responsible use of water resources, reduction of light pollution, gentle use of cleaning products and waste sorting.

BREEAM Certification – A Quality Standard for Sustainable Development

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an internationally recognised building sustainability assessment system that enables the evaluation of various types of buildings against a wide range of criteria. This certification can be obtained at the design stage, after construction is completed, or for buildings already in use. The BREEAM In-Use certificate is awarded to buildings that have been in operation for at least three years.

 

About SIA Linstow Baltic (LB)

“Linstow Baltic” (LB) is one of the leading developers of long-term real estate projects in various segments in the Baltics, including office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, parking lots and others. LB has been operating in this sector since 1996. In Latvia, LB manages and develops the “Origo” shopping center and in Estonia – “Ülemiste”, the country’s largest shopping center. In the center of Riga, LB is managing a modern, environmentally and socially friendly business center “Origo One”, and also developing a dynamic city quarter “SPORTA 2” and sustainable office complex “SATEKLES BIZNESA CENTRS”. “Linstow Baltic” does not provide real estate intermediary services. More information: www.linstowbaltic.lv

 

About s/c Origo

The Origo shopping centre, which was reconstructed and expanded in 2020, is one of the most modern shopping centres in Latvia. The ground three floors of the new building provide convenient retail and service facilities, while the upper three floors house the Origo One business centre with high-quality Class A offices. In Origo, a vast assortment of local and international brands is available, including Home&You, Springfield, Women’secret, Ivo Nikkolo, Reserved, Lindex, Douglas, Sportland, Skechers, Sinsay, Multilukss, LMT, Virši, Euronics, Stenders, Vapiano, Ginger, Gan Bei, Caffeine, Rimi Hyper, Rimi Mini, Veselības centrs 4, E. Gulbja Laboratorija and Rīgas satiksme. More information: www.origo.lv.