We sat down with Andreas Florides, Operations Manager for the Mall of Cyprus and Annex 4, to hear first-hand what this journey means for the malls, for Cyprus, and for the wider region.

“Achieving LEED Gold is not just a milestone for our malls – it is proof that retail in Cyprus can be both pioneering and sustainable.” Andreas Florides

MEET THE EXPERT

Andreas Florides Operations Manager – Mall of Cyprus & Annex 4

Background: Mechanical engineer with a specialization in energy efficiency

Role: Oversees operations across the malls, aligning building performance with global sustainability benchmarks

Passion: Driving innovation that combines operational excellence with environmental responsibility

 THE JOURNEY TOWARDS LEED

Q: Walk us through your role and involvement in the LEED certification process?

Andreas: From the outset, my role was both strategic and hands-on. We began with a detailed gap analysis, supported by the sustainability consultants at BuildGreen, to understand where we stood and identify areas for improvement. Together, we developed targeted action plans to meet LEED’s rigorous requirements across energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and waste.

That meant upgrading chillers, optimising HVAC systems, rolling out staff training, and even engaging tenants to change day-to-day behaviours. BuildGreen’s technical expertise and guidance throughout the process were invaluable – from documentation and performance verification to ensuring every measure aligned with LEED’s global best-practice standards.

What sets LEED apart from traditional energy certifications in Cyprus is its scope – it doesn’t just measure consumption, it looks at the whole building ecosystem: how it operates, and how it connects with its community. That makes it far more forward-looking.

WHY LEED, WHY NOW?

Q: Why did Atterbury Europe choose to pursue LEED v4.1 O+M certification at this moment?

Andreas: LEED v4.1 focuses on real performance. It validates what’s actually happening in the building – energy, water, air quality, waste management – not just design intentions.

For us, this step aligns with global ESG trends. Investors and tenants want proof, not promises. Certification gives that transparency while also delivering operational benefits like reduced costs, healthier spaces, and stronger tenant retention. It also strengthens our governance, because it’s an internationally recognized, third-party validation of what we do.

FIRST MOVERS ONCE AGAIN

Q: What does being the first LEED v4.1 O+M certified malls in Cyprus and Greece mean to you?

Andreas: It’s fitting, really. From the day Mall of Cyprus opened, it has been a pioneer – the first shopping mall in the country, the first to introduce new retail concepts and marketing strategies. Achieving this certification continues that story of firsts.

For Cyprus, it’s a signal to the world that we can lead on sustainability, not just follow. It puts us on the European map as a sustainable retail destination. And for the region, it sets a new bar. It shows that malls in Southern Europe can stay attractive and resilient by delivering verifiable sustainability performance, not only great shopping experiences.

FROM SYSTEMS TO SHOPPERS

Q: What improvements will shoppers, tenants and staff notice most directly?

Andreas: For shoppers: They’ll experience fresher air, more comfortable indoor conditions, and visible recycling initiatives that make them feel part of a greener community.

For tenants: There’s a real financial upside. Energy and water savings lower operating costs, while being in a LEED-certified mall boosts their brand value with increasingly eco-conscious consumers.

For staff: Better indoor environments improve daily well-being, and being part of a pioneering project gives them a sense of pride. Plus, staff training around sustainability builds skills that are valuable for the future.

LOOKING AHEAD

Q: Is LEED Gold the destination, or just the beginning?

Andreas: Gold certification is a milestone, but not the end. We’re already exploring future steps, whether that’s aiming higher with LEED Platinum or WELL, or piloting cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven energy optimization and water-reuse systems.

Sustainability is not a one-off achievement. It’s a continuous process of raising the bar and proving that our malls can deliver both environmental value and an exceptional visitor experience.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR CYPRUS

The LEED v4.1 O+M Gold certification of Mall of Cyprus, Annex 4, and Mall of Engomi is more than a technical win, it’s a story of leadership. From pioneering retail in Cyprus to setting sustainability benchmarks for Southern Europe, these malls continue to show that progress and responsibility go hand in hand.

For Andreas, the journey has been personal as well as professional: “At the end of the day, what excites me is knowing that we are shaping malls that are healthier, more efficient, and more future-ready. It’s about making sure we leave behind something better for the next generation.”