2025 was a defining year for Summertown Interiors. Not only in terms of project delivery and recognition, but in reaffirming our role as the UAE’s most trusted partner in sustainable interior fit-out, LEED-certified workplaces, and ESG-aligned design.
From launching our Sustainability Hub and the UAE’s first LEED ROI Calculator, to winning regional sustainability awards, this year has positioned us as a pioneer and change-maker in the Middle East’s commercial interior landscape.
Here’s how we made it happen.
Our 2025 Sustainability Performance
This year, we made measurable progress across every core pillar of our Journey2030 strategy, which aims to deliver 100% green-certified projects by 2030. With increased demand for certified workplaces across the UAE, our teams delivered projects that didn’t just meet environmental criteria. They exceeded expectations.
The Numbers That Matter
- 21 projects completed
- 12 LEED Certified projects
- 30% of all completed projects achieved LEED or WELL certification
- 67% project waste diverted from landfill
- 83% increase in recycling volumes compared to 2024
- 93% waste diversion on a single project (The NEST)
- 1.1 million man-hours without a lost-time injury
- 100% of employees trained in anti-corruption and human rights
- 33% female office staff, above the industry average
Each figure reflects not only performance, but responsibility. Moreover, these results demonstrate deeply embedded sustainability values across every stage of design and delivery.
These achievements aren’t accidents. They’re the result of systematic thinking, consistent effort, and genuine commitment from everyone on our team.
New Tools, New Standards: Launching the UAE’s First LEED ROI Calculator
One of our most significant launches this year was the region’s first LEED ROI Calculator, designed to make sustainable commercial and office fit-out measurable, accessible, and financially clear.
For years, organisations have recognised the value of LEED certification. However, many struggled to quantify its return. Our free, user-friendly tool addresses that gap directly.
What the Calculator Delivers
- Instant estimates of certification costs
- Energy and water savings over time
- Payback periods aligned with operational budgets
- Customised outputs for office type, size, and target LEED level
Curious how the LEED Calculator works in practice? Our team walks you through in this short video, so you can see exactly how to use it and get the most accurate results.
According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED-certified buildings typically use 36% less energy than conventional buildings. With our calculator, these performance benchmarks translate into real financial and environmental impact that clients can see before they commit.
Calculate Your Project’s LEED ROI
Use our free calculator to estimate costs, energy savings, and payback periods based on your project size and target certification level.
LEED ROI Calculator
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The Sustainability Hub
Alongside the calculator, 2025 saw the launch of our dedicated Sustainability Hub. This central resource supports clients, architects, and project managers in achieving better sustainability outcomes.
The hub includes our sustainability commitments, LEED and WELL guidance, downloadable tools, and detailed case studies. It’s designed to support UAE businesses aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 roadmap and Dubai Municipality’s Al Sa’fat Green Building Rating System.
Award-Winning Project: The NEST by Schneider Electric
A key highlight of the year was being awarded Sustainable Project of the Year at the Design Middle East Awards 2025 for our work on Schneider Electric’s The NEST in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
This two-floor, turnkey commercial fit-out, delivered with JLL and Gensler, was part of Schneider’s Global Impact Buildings initiative. The results speak for themselves:
- 93% waste diversion from landfills
- 10,049 kg of materials reused or recycled
- Targeting LEED Platinum and WELL Certification
- Circular practices from HVAC reuse to furniture upcycling
This project proves that circular economy principles are not just theoretical. They are practical, scalable, and commercially valuable. Furthermore, they demonstrate that environmental responsibility and design excellence can coexist beautifully.
Industry Recognition and Team Achievements
2025 was also a year of industry recognition, honouring not only Summertown Interiors’ business performance but the talent that powers it.
Company Awards
🏆 Sustainable Fit-Out Firm of the Year – Sustainability Innovation Awards 2025
🏆 Sustainable Project of the Year – Design ME Awards 2025 (The NEST)
🌟 Nominated: Sustainable Contractor of the Year – MENA Green Building Awards
🌟 Shortlisted: Interior Fit-Out Firm of the Year (Large Scale) – CID Awards MENA 2025
Individual Recognition
Our team members also received well-deserved recognition:
Nicola Trivett, General Manager, ranked #7 in the Fit-Out Powerlist 2025. She was praised for leading ESG-aligned workplace strategy across commercial, healthcare, and government sectors.
Krystal Fernandes, Project Manager, was Highly Commended for Project Manager of the Year at the CID Awards MENA 2025. Her precision and client satisfaction on complex certified projects set the standard.
Hazal Karaoz, Design Manager, was named in the CID Power List 2025. Her human-centred design approach and commitment to embedding sustainability into every project exemplify our values.
These accolades reflect the trust our clients place in us and the standard our people hold themselves to every day.
Strength in People
Beyond awards, we celebrated the culture and collaboration that make our work possible. Since 2010, creating a Sustainable Christmas Tree has been a proud Summertown tradition. Every year, it serves as a symbol of our dedication to the environment and our commitment to doing business responsibly.
This year, our talented Design Manager, Cris Doctor, has designed a tree that is both beautiful and meaningful, made entirely from upcycled site materials. The tree transforms everyday materials into something magical, reminding us that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand. A joyful and tangible reminder that every choice matters, no matter how small.
We also expanded our mental health and wellbeing support for both office staff and site workers. Because exceptional work comes from people who feel supported, valued, and heard.
Delivering ESG-Aligned Workplaces
As more clients look to align their office fit-outs with their ESG reporting, we continue to offer tangible solutions. Our complimentary LEED certification for all projects over 2,000 square metres has helped dozens of clients gain third-party verified credentials without extra cost.
This supports both financial and environmental returns whilst making sustainability accessible to organisations that might otherwise hesitate.
What Our Projects Include
- Energy-efficient lighting and MEP systems
- Biophilic design and natural material use
- Enhanced air quality and acoustic performance
- Post-occupancy evaluations and WELL-readiness
Each element contributes to workplaces that don’t just look good. They perform brilliantly for the people using them every day.
Partnership in Action
2025 also marked the renewal of our long-standing partnership with the Emirates Green Building Council, the UAE’s leading authority on sustainable buildings.
As a member, we contribute to national policy advocacy aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 and Dubai 2040 Urban Plan. Additionally, we support green building capacity building, share best practices, and participate in thought leadership.
This partnership strengthens our voice in the industry. Consequently, it ensures we remain responsive to evolving codes like Al Sa’fat and Estidama.
Safe, Responsible Delivery
Beyond certifications, safety and wellbeing remain non-negotiable. In 2025, we achieved:
- Zero lost-time injuries over 1.1 million man-hours
- 100% compliance with our HSE standards
- Expanded wellbeing support for staff and site workers
Our integrated Health, Safety, and Environment approach ensures that every project is safe for the people delivering it and for those who’ll use the space for years to come.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As we look ahead to 2026, Summertown Interiors enters the new year with momentum, ambition, and a clear focus on building better together.
The year ahead will see us delivering a diverse portfolio of new projects across workplace, hotel, F&B, and residential sectors. From complex fit-out programs to thoughtfully crafted interiors, our upcoming work reflects a continued commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, bringing design intent to life while responding to the evolving needs of people and the spaces they inhabit.
In parallel, we are investing in new tools and technologies to further enhance the way we design, build, and deliver. From smarter project management systems to advanced digital coordination and visualisation tools, these upgrades will enable greater efficiency, transparency, and collaboration, helping us work more accurately and more sustainably across every stage of a project.
Our growth in 2026 is also powered by people. We will be welcoming new team members across key disciplines, strengthening our in-house expertise and nurturing the next generation of talent. Alongside this, we remain committed to fostering a culture built on trust, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, ensuring our teams are supported to do their best work.
With strong partnerships, an expanding team, and a forward-looking mindset, 2026 represents an exciting chapter for Summertown Interiors. We look forward to shaping new spaces, embracing smarter ways of working, and continuing to deliver projects that make a lasting, positive impact.
Above all, we remain committed to proving that sustainable fit-out is better design. Better for people, better for business, and better for the planet.
Ready to Begin Your Sustainable Fit-Out?
Whether you’re planning a new office, upgrading an existing space, or targeting LEED or WELL certification, our team is here to help you unlock the value of sustainability.
Next Steps:
- Try the LEED ROI Calculator
- Explore our sustainable interior fit-out services
- Browse our 2025 project portfolio
- Contact our team
Let’s build a workplace that performs and inspires.
