ACC embarks to convert HQ into green building

Mumbai: ACC has embarked on a Project Orchid to convert its Mumbai headquarters ‘Cement House’ into a green building.

Built in 1939 based on a design by Ballardie Thompson and Mathews, it is presently undergoing a major renovation programme which will transform it as an energy-efficient and green building in addition to maintaining its heritage.

Spread on 68,000 sq ft, the six-storied building was then Number 1, Queen’s Road, Churchgate, where it came to stand proudly alongside other heritage structures.

The project has been registered under LEED (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) New Construction and Major Renovation rating of the Indian Green Building Council. Cement House is the first project in India to be registered under the criteria of major renovation of an existing building, the company said.

The Rs 20-crore project involves modernisation of all the elements of this structure with added features of intelligent lighting, climate and access control, state-of-the-art office equipment and utilities, modular furniture, workstations and well equipped conference rooms.

The highlights of the refurbished office will be an open office plan with no cabins or cubicles. All employees from the junior-most grade to the Managing Director of the company will sit in open spaces, said a company official.