Adding the element of nature to Future of Work

Shell’s Technology Centre in Bangalore is one of the three global IT hubs of Royal Dutch Shell. The other two are in Houston and Amsterdam. The firm is committed to Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) in its building designs, to protect its people, and the planet.

The firm partnered with JLL for Integrated Facilities Management (IFM). As a service partner, we took over the responsibility of contributing to the client’s sustainability commitments. But we wanted to create a unique experience – something unconventional, considering the firm’s global reputation.

The team was confident that the campus was an ideal location for establishing an in-campus environment revolution, and was inspired to introduce the concept of a “forest”. After much research, we identified a local organisation, Afforest, which was passionate about creating natural, wild, native forests. Following the Miyawaki technique, they had created more than 3,000 forests worldwide.

We collaborated to add some interesting elements to the forest, such as walkways, lagoons, bird feeding areas, huddle spots, and wind chime, to enhance employees’ experience.

When open to staff in 2018, the campus received an overwhelming response with many employees volunteering to sign up for their support to the prestigious project.

The “forest” campus will become self-sustainable by 2021, contributing up to 30 times more carbon-dioxide absorption. As it grows denser in the years to come, it will reduce the noise and dust levels as well as support biodiversity and ecosystem.

A happy client, Shell called it “The Forest of Well Being” and acclaimed it to be the first of its kind real estate project across their offices globally. The firm will witness their green zone getting greener and become a strong contender to protect the environment in the times to come. Meanwhile, we set an unconventional and unique example in facilities management.