Durrant Pate/Contributor

The World Bank Group has officially opened its new physical office space in Kingston, Jamaica, which is a resource-efficient workspace that brings its Caribbean-focused team together in a single location. 

This modern facility is designed to support daily operations and long-term sustainability in a small island context where efficient use of resources is essential. The office is intentionally designed to maximise natural daylight, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting during working hours. 

The new office, which was officially opened last Friday, has earned EDGE Advanced green building certification, a global standard for measuring energy, water, and material efficiency in buildings developed by the World Bank Group. The office operates with 65% lower energy consumption, 42% lower water use, and 25% lower embodied energy than comparable buildings.  

Energy-efficient features

Embodied energy refers to the total energy required to produce, transport, and install construction materials—meaning the reductions begin long before the building is even built. Energy savings were achieved through a combination of thoughtful layout and efficient systems.  

The office is intentionally designed to maximise natural daylight, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting during working hours. Where lighting is needed, energy-efficient LED systems are used throughout, supported by motion sensors that automatically limit energy use in unoccupied areas. 

Specific ventilation and air-conditioning systems were selected to deliver stable performance in tropical conditions while keeping energy demand low. Water efficiency was addressed through low-consumption fixtures and the installation of water-free urinals, significantly reducing freshwater use as well as operating costs. These measures are particularly important in island environments, where water resources can be both limited and costly.

Reducing embodied energy was a key consideration during construction. Wherever possible, the building process used locally available, high-performance materials that require less energy to manufacture and transport than conventional alternatives. This approach lowered emissions associated with construction while also simplifying logistics and controlling costs. Resilience was another central design principle. 

World Bank’s principals pleased

Jamaica is highly exposed to hurricanes and extreme weather, and the building incorporates reinforced, hurricane-resistant windows, secure facilities, and backup power for critical systems. Commenting on the new Kingston office, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, says, “This office reflects the same principles the World Bank supports in its work with countries—efficiency, resilience, and smart use of resources. In a small-state and vulnerable context like Jamaica, sustainable design directly supports reliable operations while reducing long-term costs.”

Jorge Dajani, Director of Global Corporate Solutions of the World Bank Group, remarks, “As the World Bank Group marks the opening of its new Jamaica office, the building stands as a practical example of how high-efficiency, resilient design can deliver measurable benefits—for staff, for operations, and for the environment. It reflects a broader commitment to applying sustainability principles not only through development projects, but within the institution’s own footprint.”