A Decade of Pioneering Sustainable Construction
This year marks a milestone for RCI as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, we have been at the forefront of the sustainability movement in Taiwan, helping to reshape the way people think about construction and environmental responsibility. What began as a humble effort to introduce LEED certification has evolved into a comprehensive suite of services that support sustainable and healthy building practices across the region.
10 Years Ago: The Beginning of a Movement
When RCI set up operations in Taiwan a decade ago, sustainability wasn’t a hot topic. At the time, environmental considerations were often overlooked in favor of traditional construction practices. However, we saw the opportunity to change this narrative. Armed with a vision for a more sustainable future, we set out to introduce international standards for green building certification to Taiwan.
We started by bringing LEED certification to Taiwan, becoming the first company in the region to promote this globally recognized benchmark for sustainable construction. LEED’s rigorous standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality resonated with forward-thinking developers, and it wasn’t long before Taiwan’s construction industry began to take notice.
But we didn’t stop there. As the world began to pay more attention to health and wellness, we were also the first to introduce WELL certification, a standard focused on the health and well-being of building occupants. Soon after, we brought UL Verified Healthy Building certification, helping businesses ensure their buildings provide safe and healthy environments.
EarthCheck Inner Circle Forum, Taipei, Taiwan, October 2024
Recognizing the importance of sustainability in tourism and hospitality, we also introduced EarthCheck certification to Taiwan, allowing hotels and resorts to achieve internationally recognized benchmarks in environmental and social responsibility. These pioneering efforts cemented RCI’s position as a leader in sustainable construction and a catalyst for change.
Expanding Services to Meet Growing Demand
What began with a focus on LEED certification and testing and performance verification has expanded into a comprehensive portfolio of services designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients. As sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles gained momentum in Taiwan and beyond, we rose to the challenge of supporting our clients’ ambitious goals.
Today, our services include a wide range of solutions, such as:
Green Building Certifications: From LEED and WELL to EarthCheck, we help clients achieve internationally recognized certifications.
Energy Modeling and Commissioning: Our advanced tools ensure buildings meet performance targets for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Indoor Environmental Quality Testing: We offer rigorous testing services to verify air quality, thermal comfort, and other key factors.
Carbon Management: Helping businesses calculate, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint to align with global climate goals.
Smart Building Solutions: Utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance energy efficiency, monitor building performance, and improve occupant experiences.
By offering these diverse services, we enable our clients to achieve their sustainability goals while simultaneously enhancing the value and performance of their buildings.
Transforming the Way People Build
Our mission has always been clear: to drive positive change in the way people approach construction. Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to embed sustainability and ESG principles into the core of Taiwan’s construction industry. From early conversations with skeptical developers to helping visionary clients achieve groundbreaking certifications, we have played a pivotal role in reshaping the industry’s priorities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey has been watching the evolution of attitudes toward sustainability. What was once seen as an optional consideration is now a critical component of planning and design. Builders, developers, and stakeholders now recognize that sustainable practices are not just good for the environment—they’re also good for business, improving brand reputation and long-term cost efficiency.
Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years
While we are proud of what we’ve achieved over the past decade, we know there is still much work to be done. The challenges facing the planet—climate change, resource depletion, and urbanization—require bold action and innovative solutions.
Over the next 10 years, we are committed to:
Driving Net-Zero Carbon Buildings: Helping clients meet global goals for decarbonization through advanced carbon management strategies and energy-efficient designs.
Advancing Health and Wellness in Buildings: Continuing to promote WELL and other certifications that prioritize occupant well-being.
Adopting Smart Technologies: Leveraging IoT and smart building systems to create more responsive, efficient, and sustainable spaces.
Promoting Circular Economy Principles: Supporting clients in adopting materials and processes that reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of resources.
Education and Advocacy: Empowering the next generation of builders and developers to embrace sustainability through training, workshops, and thought leadership.
Our vision for the future is ambitious, but it is rooted in the same principles that have guided us for the past 10 years: innovation, integrity, and a relentless commitment to sustainability.
Thank You to Our Clients and Partners
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members. Your support and collaboration have been instrumental in making our vision a reality. Together, we have achieved remarkable things, and we are excited to continue this journey with you in the years to come.
RCI is proud to have been a pioneer in sustainable construction, and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we reflect on the past decade, we are reminded that our work is not just about buildings—it’s about creating a better future for the people who live, work, and thrive in them.
Here’s to the next 10 years of innovation, growth, and sustainability. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals.