FWD Insurance’s new LEED Gold Certified office — A balance between environmental care and employee well-being
FWD Insurance’s new LEED Gold Certified office — A balance between environmental care and employee well-being
A modern office plays a crucial role in an organization’s success. The design of such a space must prioritize the environment, comfort, and the quality of life of employees. FWD Insurance’s new headquarters embodies a modern, multifunctional design that focuses on sustainable resource usage while creating an environment that fosters creativity and employee engagement. This space also takes employee feedback into account to ensure it meets their needs, motivating them to contribute ideas that can drive the organization’s success.
FWD Insurance’s new headquarters is located in O-NES Tower, a LEED Gold and WELL-certified Grade A office building recognized for its sustainability credentials. The office itself has earned LEED Gold Version 4 certification for Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors, a rigorous standard achieved through sustainable site selection, resource-efficient design, and operational practices that minimize environmental impact. Nestled in Bangkok’s vibrant Nana district, the office benefits from direct BTS Skytrain access, reducing reliance on cars, cutting emissions, and ensuring efficient commutes for employees.
“Our choice of this office reflects our commitment to balancing environmental care with employee well-being through the Sustainable Office Framework, which guided our approach to sustainability alongside office space development from the very start. We selected O-NES Tower because it meets our environmental impact reduction goals while offering Grade A amenities for our employees,” said Mr. David Korunić, Chief Executive Officer for Thailand & Cambodia, FWD Life Insurance Plc.
FWD Insurance’s new office spans 4,000 square meters across the 22nd and 23rd floors and features an open, pillar-free layout with an internal staircase linking the floors, enhancing space continuity while reducing elevator use. The office includes over 400 workstations catering to various working styles, with private rooms for phone calls, specially designed rooms for brainstorming sessions, and spaces for specific employee needs, such as prayer rooms and nursing rooms.
FWD Insurance’s office prioritizes energy efficiency and indoor air quality through several innovative features. More than 75% of construction waste has been recycled, reused, or donated. The office employs an intelligent air-conditioning system with sensors to regulate temperature and airflow, along with CO₂ detectors and effective PM 2.5 filtration. Auto Detect lighting systems automatically switch off when areas are unoccupied, while the water management system minimizes resource consumption. The use of biodegradable cleaning products without chemical residues further enhances the office’s sustainability credentials.
The interior design maximizes both environmental considerations and employee productivity. Large windows harvest natural light, reducing energy needs, while acoustic panels minimize noise disruption. All furniture is made from sustainable materials with documented environmental information, ensuring minimal ecological impact. Ergonomically designed desks and chairs promote employee health and well-being, complemented by soundproof meeting rooms that meet international standards for effective sound isolation.
The office features cutting-edge workplace technologies, including Gen AI microphones and smart cameras that accurately track speakers, enhancing both online and offline meeting experiences and improving overall workplace efficiency.
“We prioritize the environment alongside our employees’ needs by involving them in the design process. We conducted surveys and integrated feedback to ensure the new office promotes creativity and supports everyone in working at their best. This is part of our commitment to fostering an environment where our employees thrive, as they are the driving force behind FWD Insurance’s vision of changing the way people feel about insurance,” concluded Mr. David.
