Nouvelle Usine has become the first building in Mauritius to achieve LEED Platinum certification, according to Evolis Properties, marking a milestone for the country’s property sector and the redevelopment of existing buildings.
The distinction was awarded in August 2026 and formally celebrated with a plaque unveiling on 5 November. Located in Floréal, the former Floréal Knitwear factory at Mangalkhan now accommodates offices, shops, restaurants and a wellness centre across 14,000 square metres.
Performance beyond design
Nouvelle Usine achieved Platinum under LEED’s Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings category, which assesses how a property performs in everyday use, rather than its design or construction alone.
The assessment covers energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, indoor environmental quality and sustainable operations. For owners and occupiers, it places the emphasis on how buildings are managed long after refurbishment is complete.
Evolis General Manager, Olivier Laure said the process required the company to review procedures, measure performance and rethink established practices. The certification followed an assessment process launched in mid-2025.
A factory’s second life
Nouvelle Usine’s transformation retained the former factory’s structure and reused some furniture and industrial fittings. Natural lighting, ventilation and upcycling form part of its environmental approach, while smart sensors and software support the monitoring of energy, water and waste.
The project also received the Best New Development/Refurbishment Project Award at the African Property Investment Awards in September, recognising another dimension of the redevelopment alongside its operational certification.
Speaking at the November ceremony, Environment, the honourable Minister, Rajesh Bhagwan made the case for giving existing buildings a new lease of life rather than demolishing them. He also challenged the notion that going green means spending more, noting that sustainable construction and day-to-day management can bring long-term savings for owners and occupants alike.
Solar plans ahead
Evolis plans to install photovoltaic panels at Nouvelle Usine as part of a wider programme to generate renewable electricity across its property portfolio. The long-term aim is to produce enough power to offset the entire electricity consumption of its buildings’ communal areas.
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