In December 2017, Versace opened its doors to a new flagship store in London Sloane Street: the first LEED certified boutique in the iconic street. LEED is redefining the way we think about the places where we live, work and shop. An internationally recognized mark of excellence, LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building was designed and built for high performance in key areas of human and environmental health. With regards to the environment, architects, site managers and store staff were mobilized and trained to design a robust sustainable store. Sustainable innovation has been embedded in stores design, materials, equipment and operations. This intervention means that the boutique, for example, uses less energy for heating, air conditioning, and lighting than an average store. An equally important benefit is for people. Occupants of green buildings, both customers and employees, are healthier and more productive, as green buildings typically have better indoor air quality and lighting. Before the opening, all store employees received a specific training on LEED certification and, more broadly, on what it means to be sustainable. The Sloane Street store is part of a retail plan for sustainable store openings and renovations and represents a key milestone of the Versace Sustainable Innovation program.
