Schemes
Our approach to sustainability schemes
Schemes such as BREEAM, LEED, Ska and WELL are used to assess how buildings perform in areas including environmental impact, materials and occupant wellbeing. Optima provides the product information, test evidence and project data needed to show how the specified systems may support the relevant requirements.
WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building standard is designed to address issues that impact the health, comfort or knowledge of building occupants. We ensure our systems comply with all the relevant aspects. To download the documents please go to the Member’s Area.
LEED
LEED is the environmental assessment system operated by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), covering areas including materials, resources and indoor environmental quality. Optima can provide supporting product information, including independent Eurofins attestations for selected systems, to help project teams assess relevant LEED requirements.
Our work with Walls to Workstations at Twitter’s Dublin office formed part of a project that achieved LEED Platinum certification.
WELL Platinum in Practice
Taylor Wessing’s refurbishment at 5 New Street Square combined a reuse-first approach with a strong focus on wellbeing, contributing to WELL Platinum pre-certification. The project shows how retaining and adapting an existing workplace can support both environmental and occupant-focused objectives.
BREEAM
The UK’s prime built-environment sustainability scheme, BREEAM has grown into the most widely used certification for assessing the sustainability of building construction and fit-outs. Addressing key categories such as Materials, Health & Wellbeing and Waste BREEAM aims to mitigate the life cycle of buildings on the environment.
SKA
SKA is an environmental assessment tool designed specifically for landlords and tenants in the office and retail fit-out market. Operated by RICS it considers the specification and performance of systems and materials in the design/planning; delivery/construction; and occupancy stages of a project.
Ecovardis
Optima Contracting Ltd has earned a Bronze Medal, a recognition awarded to the Top 35% of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the 12 months prior to the medal issue date. It reflects the quality of the company’s sustainability management system and demonstrates a commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain.
Supply Chain Sustainability School
Optima is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability performance and awareness amongst staff. This is reflected in achieving School GOLD level Membership status, having:
- completed self-assessments producing Action Plans for the business
- continually used School training resources and provide access to staff
- demonstrated an increase in sustainability competence
- actively share our knowledge and experience with other School members in the form of a case study
Sustainability at Optima
Sustainability18 February 2026How our Environmental and Sustainability team supports a project
Environmental requirements now influence every stage of a fit-out. Our Environmental and Sustainability team helps turn those requirements into practical project information, from specification and tendering through to site reporting and handover.
View insight
Acoustics18 February 2026Office Acoustics and the WELL Building Standard: Reducing Noise for Better Workspaces
Acoustics can have a significant influence on how a workplace feels and functions. This insight looks at the relationship between noise, well-being and the WELL Building Standard, and how design choices can help create more comfortable working environments.
View insight
Sustainability18 February 2026What Does Environmental Quality Mean in Construction?
Environmental quality looks beyond a single sustainability claim. It considers environmental impact, indoor conditions and the quality of evidence used to demonstrate performance throughout a product or project’s lifecycle.
View insight
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