Colombia. The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has awarded LEED Gold certification to La Colina Park. This is an important milestone for Parque Arauco as it is the company's first shopping center to receive LEED Gold Certification.
To achieve this certification, since the beginning of its construction, in 2014, various sustainable aspects were considered, such as waste management, local purchases and energy efficiency, among others.
With regard to waste, during construction it was possible to recycle 99% of the waste generated, such as the remains of metal, plastics, cardboard, wood, paper, glass and organic waste. Also, to reduce the impact of extracting and processing new materials for construction, 32.4% of the budget was invested in materials with recycled content. In particular, in steel (100% post-consumer recycling), and in concrete (4% recycled before consumption), both certified by the supplier.
On the other hand, to minimize the impact of transportation and encourage local purchases, 83% of the materials budgeted for construction were invested in local suppliers, located at a distance of 800 km around the project.
The interior of the Park, inaugurated in December 2016, has various mechanisms for saving energy and water. As for the first, high-efficiency motors, high standards of thermal insulation, bioclimatic ventilation and LED lighting in common areas have been included, as well as light efficiency clauses. While, to reduce the consumption of drinking water, efficient taps, toilets and urinals have been placed. The Park also has native and adaptable plants to reduce irrigation levels and has a system of collection and treatment of rainwater so that they can be irrigated with that same water.
With this Project Parque Arauco adds its first LEED Gold shopping center to its portfolio, in addition to the LEED Silver project, Arauco Quilicura, in Chile and the LEED Silver project, InOutlet Premium Lurín, in Peru.
