Steelcase Inc. – a global office environments manufacturer – has opened its first Global Shared Services Centre (GSS-KL) in Kuala Lumpur.

Located in Gardens South Tower, GSS-KL is one of Steelcase’s largest investments in the Asia Pacific region and has been designed and constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) standards. It is currently in the process of acquiring certification.

LEED-CI recognises buildings that utilise construction materials and methods that have minimal impact on the environment and building occupants. It also recognises buildings that consider sustainability in the use of energy and water, and in waste treatment.

“The certification is a priority for us with GSS-KL, and once we have certification we’ll be well on our way to achieving Steelcase’s global goal of reducing our environmental footprint by 25 per cent by 2012, when we celebrate our 100th anniversary,” said Mark Berghoef, managing director of GSS-KL, Steelcase Inc.

Steelcase is a global leader in the office furniture industry, designing and manufacturing architecture, furniture and technology products. Its fiscal 2008 revenue was US$3.4 billion (approximately RM12.09 billion).