SD in Action: INDIGO

The new Swire Properties office at ONE INDIGO was designed specifically to nurture the health, wellness and comfort of our staff, while also optimising sustainability and efficiency. Extensive consultations were conducted with staff, along with analysis of data from the old office, to ensure an optimal space. Features of the office include:

• The selection of locally-sourced, low-volatile organic compound (“VOC”) materials that were matched with natural, biophilic colours – scientifically proven to improve performance;
• Improving work flexibility by moving to laptops instead of desktop computers;
• A meditation and mothering room;
• Smart lighting that adapts to daylight hours and human circadian rhythms;
• Air purification devices that ensure minimal levels of pollution; and
• Height-adjustable desks and monitor arms and ergonomic furniture to enable comfortable working.

The Swire Properties Community Ambassador Programme is thriving at INDIGO. For the past eight years, there have always been plenty of community outreach activities between INDIGO staff and the surrounding community, and this goodwill has continued until the present. From working with NGOs, schools and community organisations on environmental awareness campaigns, to collaborating with social welfare organisations, INDIGO’s Community Ambassadors have been very active.

Though the 2020 pandemic curtailed many in-person activities, INDIGO staff still made positive contributions through:

• As part of Sustainability We All Count, children from the community participated in Zero Waste Day in August 2020. The activities included learning about waste management and designing a reusable tote bag, hoping to spread the message of mindful consumption among more people.
• Continuing the Little Flower Project, which benefits premature infant orphans and orphans with complex medical needs. Since 2018, INDIGO volunteers have visited these children, kept them company and donated items that they needed. While face-to-face visits were not possible in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to resume these important in-person visits soon.
• Launching the “Sustain the Beauty of Life” campaign, aiming to involve more people in community service. Several events were carried out, including releasing an “empty plate” coupon to reduce food waste, the Roundabout charity bazaar, Beijing Music Festival concerts, and senior care events.

INDIGO views occupational safety as a cornerstone of SD, meaning safety has always been paramount at INDIGO. Regular safety training sessions are conducted, along with a monthly staff safety meeting and tenant safety training programmes.

Highlights:

• 2020 was the third consecutive year that we promoted the “INDIGO Safety Management Award” among our retail tenants.
• In 2019, INDIGO was recognised for workplace safety with the Swire Properties internal Zero Lost-Time Injury Silver Award, marking 500 days straight with no loss of work time due to injuries.
• Also in 2019, INDIGO received the “Advanced Unit of Fire Fighting Work” award for Chaoyang District.
• In 2017, INDIGO was recognised as a “Company Advanced in Safety Operation and Management” by the Chaoyang District Association of Work Safety.