DARFON Taoyuan Headquarters Achieves LEED Platinum and UL Healthy Building Mark: Setting a New Sustainability Benchmark

Li Melissa
Sep 30
2 min read

Darfon Electronics Corp. has raised the bar for sustainable operations with its Taoyuan Headquarters, officially earning LEED v4.1 O+M Platinum Certification — the highest distinction in the world’s leading green building rating system. In addition, the project also secured the UL Healthy Building Mark, underscoring its commitment to occupant well-being alongside environmental responsibility. With guidance from RCI Sustainability Group as project consultant, this achievement demonstrates how corporations and expert advisors can work together to transform existing buildings into models of sustainability and health.

Leadership in Procurement and Waste Reduction

The headquarters, under RCI’s direction, implemented a rigorous sustainable procurement framework that demonstrates best practices in responsible sourcing and waste management:

100% adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting.
More than 70% of IT equipment certified to EPEAT Silver.
Use of FSC-certified paper products.

At the same time, nearly half of the site’s operational waste is now diverted away from landfills through a structured recycling program, showcasing a strong commitment to circular economy principles.

Optimizing Indoor Environment and Energy Efficiency

A holistic approach to indoor environmental quality and energy performance ensures both sustainability and occupant comfort. The facility employs high-efficiency HVAC systems, optimized lighting design, and enhanced fresh-air ventilation, all integrated within a centralized monitoring platform. These strategies have resulted in an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) 48% lower than national benchmarks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting healthier, more productive spaces for employees.

Green Infrastructure and Eco-Friendly Features

The headquarters also demonstrates leadership in ecological design and infrastructure:

Urban greening: Extensive landscaping helps reduce the heat island effect and improves the surrounding microclimate.
Water management: A 477-ton rainwater harvesting system collects and reuses stormwater for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, lowering water demand and mitigating flood risk.
Light pollution reduction: Outdoor lighting is shielded with protective covers to minimize ecological disruption and preserve environmental balance.

Comprehensive Health and Wellness Standards

In addition to LEED, the project pursued the UL Healthy Building Mark at Tier 2, which involves an extensive evaluation of building health performance. This included:

A full indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment.
Comprehensive water quality testing.
Inspections of HVAC and other critical systems to identify and mitigate any potential health risks.

By addressing both environmental sustainability and human health, Darfon has demonstrated a holistic vision of what a future-ready workplace should be.

A Model for the Industry

The Darfon Taoyuan Headquarters is more than just a high-performing building — it is a roadmap for the sustainable renewal of existing facilities. By combining forward-thinking design, disciplined implementation, and robust ESG commitments, Darfon proves that business growth can align seamlessly with environmental stewardship and human well-being.