Redefining the Modern Workplace: Beijing Kerry Centre Builds a Sustainable Future

In the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District, where sleek high-rises meet bustling commercial life, the Beijing Kerry Centre stands out not only for its architectural presence but as a working model of how ESG principles can be embedded across operations, tenant experience, and community engagement.

At the core of this transformation is Sustainability Vision 2030, Kerry Properties’ long-term framework that prioritizes four key areas: Environment, People, Community, and Value Chain. For the BKC’s leadership team, these pillars are not theoretical – they are operational, measurable, and visible throughout the tenant journey.

Building for the Future, Today

At Beijing Kerry Centre, environmental sustainability starts with efficiency and ends with ambition. From energy performance optimization to low-carbon development, Kerry Centre has prioritized reducing its ecological footprint without compromising comfort or functionality. “We have implemented advanced sustainability measures across our operations, including air quality management, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials,” says Tommy Poon, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Kerry Centre. “Sustainability is deeply embedded in every aspect of our operations.”

The Beijing Kerry Centre has implemented extensive air quality management, water conservation measures, and the use of eco-friendly materials across its facilities. A bold commitment to transition entirely to green energy by February 2025 has already been realized, an initiative that not only aligns with China’s national-level carbon reduction goals but also significantly enhances energy performance across the complex.

These initiatives are not just internal benchmarks. Beijing Kerry Centre has received a range of globally recognized certifications, including WELL Core Certification (Platinum level), LEED (for Cities and Communities) Platinum, and LEED Zero Waste, validating its leadership in sustainable building management.

Designing for People, Not Just Performance

Sustainability is about more than infrastructure; it’s about the people who live and work within it. At Beijing Kerry Centre, occupant well-being is a central design principle, particularly as mixed-use spaces become more integrated into daily life. “We prioritize occupant well-being,” Poon notes. “As a mixed-use development, we have meticulously designed and continuously optimized every component to create a seamless balance between work and life.”

Every aspect of the office environment – from indoor air and water quality to natural lighting, acoustics, and temperature control – has been considered and optimized to enhance comfort and productivity. These improvements not only boost tenant satisfaction but also contribute to business outcomes by reducing absenteeism and supporting employee engagement.

The Outdoor Waterfall Garden and communal space that offer tranquil green retreats for tenants to relax and recharge. These spaces reflect a growing trend: employees – and the companies they work for – now expect offices to support wellness and work-life balance, not just work output.

ESG-Driven Tenancy: A Growing Expectation

Beijing Kerry Centre is seeing increased demand from tenants for spaces that reflect their own sustainability values. More than a nice-to-have, ESG alignment is becoming a core requirement for companies choosing office locations, especially multinationals facing rigorous environmental and social reporting obligations.

To meet these needs, Beijing Kerry Centre has introduced innovative design solutions like prefabricated office fit-outs. These modular, standardized components allow tenants to reconfigure workspaces based on changing operational needs: reducing waste, improving space utilization, and cutting energy costs.

At the same time, these flexible layouts support more collaborative, agile ways of working, which are essential in today’s hybrid work environment.

The Hybrid Office: Flexibility, Functionality, and Well-being

The shift to hybrid work has reshaped what tenants expect from office environments. Flexibility, functionality, and comfort are now paramount. “The rise of hybrid work models has led to significant shifts in corporate tenants’ requirements and design preferences for office spaces,” says Poon.

He points to tenant Cushman & Wakefield as an example of this shift in action. “Cushman & Wakefield has optimized its office layout by prioritizing flexible workstations, increasing the proportion of communal spaces, and adjusting lease areas based on employee attendance.”

These adjustments reflect a wider trend toward activity-based layouts, with integrated focus zones, social hubs, and wellness amenities becoming standard.

Overcoming the Carbon Challenge

One of the Beijing Kerry Centre’s most significant ESG challenges in recent years has been meeting its carbon neutrality targets while keeping pace with tenant expectations for top-tier services and amenities.

In response, Beijing Kerry Centre transitioned to more than 50% green energy in early 2025. As Poon tells us, “As of February 2025, Beijing Kerry Centre has transitioned to more than 50% green electricity by purchasing 2.585 million kWh of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions by 1,500 tons.” This major shift not only helped the Centre meet its internal sustainability targets but also enabled tenants to reduce their operational carbon footprints, without the creation of additional financial burden.
It’s a win-win scenario that exemplifies how property developers can create real value through ESG leadership.

The Office of the Future

Looking ahead, Beijing Kerry Centre offers a compelling vision of what future-ready office environments will look like, not just in Beijing, but across China.
“The future office in Beijing and China will see technology, sustainability, community, and wellness deeply integrated,” Poon predicts. At Beijing Kerry Centre, these elements are already in play. Beyond just facilities and amenities, the building serves as a vibrant community ecosystem, hosting hundreds of tenant engagement activities each year in Beijing Kerry Office Community.

Signature events like the Kerry Games, KERRYNITE Outdoor Fairs, and themed workshops help build social cohesion and spark collaboration between businesses. More than 200 wellbeing initiatives are organized annually, ranging from traceless trekking and eco-cycling to upcycled craft workshops, promoting sustainable lifestyles and shared purpose.

This approach reflects a growing realization: strong office communities aren’t just good for morale, they’re good for business.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

As Beijing’s office market continues to mature, Poon foresees that factors beyond sustainability will shape the next generation of competitive workspaces. “Beyond sustainability, competitiveness will hinge on integrated services, tenant well-being, multi-functional spaces, exceptional property management services, and flexible leasing models,” he says.
Beijing Kerry Centre is already ahead of this curve. The development’s “city within a city” model includes Grade A office towers, luxury hotels, serviced apartments, high-end retail, medical clinics, fitness centers, and lifestyle services, all seamlessly connected.

A Platform for Progress

Beijing Kerry Centre envisions itself not just as a premium mixed-use space, but rather a launchpad for community-building. “We are reinforcing the concept of a Lifestyle and community-driven workplace,” says Poon. “By introducing multi-functional event halls, and dedicated social lounges, we cater to diverse business needs,” he continues. “Our goal is to create an efficient, flexible, and sustainable office ecosystem that meets diverse business needs.”

As the market continues to evolve, Beijing Kerry Centre remains committed to supporting its tenants in navigating change and setting the standard for the office of the future. “We invite more businesses to join us in exploring new models of future workplaces and creating a vibrant business community,” Poon concludes.