Kingston, Jamaica -- Dec. 6, 2010 -- Digicel broke ground on its new “green” global headquarters on the waterfront in downtown Kingston.
 
At a ceremony to mark the occasion, Digicel Chairman and Founder, Denis O’Brien was joined by Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves and Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mark Linehan – as well as the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Bruce Golding, the Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, Members of the Government and Members of the Opposition.
 
The project, due for completion in mid 2012, will see Digicel bringing its 1,000 plus Digicel Group and Digicel Jamaica staff together under one roof for the first time.
 
Situated on the waterfront in downtown Kingston, the Digicel development will span a total area of 211,500 square feet. Specifically, Digicel is developing a 154,700 square foot 11 storey plus basement office building – as well as a 7,050 square foot food court and an 11,000 square foot two storey ancillary building over a basement car park.
 
The new Digicel global headquarters will be the most environmentally friendly major office building in the Caribbean making use of solar power, wind power and geothermal cooling systems. The building will feature three wind turbines on the roof of the 11 storey tower, 15,000 square feet of solar panels and solar glass on the roofs of all three buildings. Meanwhile, the geothermal cooling system will reduce power consumption and eliminate the use of both potable water and unsightly cooling towers.
 
Other features of Digicel’s state-of-the-art “green” building include:
•    Fly wheel heat exchangers on the air handling units which take coolness from the exhaust air and cool the incoming fresh air
•    High levels of natural light
through the use of mostly untinted glass façades
•    Low water consumption - for example through the use of sensor taps and the re-use of rainwater
•    Shading outside the wall of the building to allow light but reduce heat gain on the floors
•    Low power consumption LED lighting fixtures
•    Use of a Building Management System geared to energy saving through the efficient control of lighting and cooling

Digicel’s intention is to spearhead the rejuvenation of downtown Kingston – an initiative which has already started positively with the renovation work on Coronation Market, which is now well into its second phase.
Commenting on the project, Digicel Chairman, Denis O’Brien, said; “Jamaica is the home of Digicel and we are very proud to call it so and of the deep connections we have built here. This is a great opportunity for Digicel to bring its special brand of vibrancy and positive energy to an area that will benefit significantly. We are very excited about our new home downtown and are looking forward to becoming an integral and supportive part of the community here.
 
“Since our inception here nine and a half years ago, we have invested over JA$72 billion (US$850 million) in our Jamaica business and have changed the technology landscape across the island. In our commitment to Jamaica – and to best value, best service and best network -we have consistently set new standards in everything we do and the way in which we do it. Our downtown project is no different. Together, we are looking forward to building a Bigger, Better downtown Kingston.
 
In welcoming Digicel to downtown Kingston, Prime Minister Bruce Golding, said; “We have already seen the positive effect that Digicel is having downtown when we look at its work on the Coronation Market. We are delighted with Digicel’s commitment to spearheading the rejuvenation of downtown Kingston and will continue to partner with the company not only to ensure a smooth transition to its new home, but to drive the redevelopment of downtown Kingston.”