Colombia. In 2016, the PCH Doña Teresa Hydroelectric Plant was detonated by the ELN. After 2 years of rebuilding it obtained LEED certification. The process was led by AEI – Architecture and Interiors and achieved the GOLD level for New Constructions.
The power generation project located in northeastern Antioquia began in 2010 and was completed in 2015. However, on February 3, 2016, a few months into the operation, the ELN guerrillas detonated 2 explosives inside, causing considerable damage and rendering it inoperable. Fortunately, there were no injuries or deaths.
Thanks to the recovery of security in the area due to the effects of the Peace efforts that were being carried out in the region, the project was able to be rebuilt during the years 2017 and 2018, starting its implementation and obtaining the LEED Certification*.
The project managed to reduce the consumption of drinking water by 25% compared to the EPA's international standards, thanks to the implementation of efficient hydrosanitary systems. On the other hand, the plant produces the same energy it consumes, so it is considered ZNE (Zero Net Energy) eliminating its dependence on the grid and providing surpluses for local electrical operation.
"Bioclimatic studies were carried out to make the most of the natural conditions of the environment such as the incidence of ventilation, natural lighting and the effects of solar radiation on the building, in this way the support provided by the HVAC system to ensure the hygrothermal comfort of the occupants is minimal. Additionally, the lighting system has efficient technologies and automation strategies that offer the necessary amount of lighting for the activities that take place in each space," said Alejandro Fonseca, Sustainability Leader in Architecture and Interiors, who led the project to obtain LEED certification.
Consequently, the occupants have the best conditions to ensure their comfort, productivity and well-being, while the energy consumption of the project was considerably reduced.
During the construction of the plant, compliance with local norms and international standards for the protection of soil, air and water with respect to the pollution generated by the construction process was ensured. Likewise, solid waste was redirected to companies that generated the recycling of these elements in order to limit the disposal in dumps, this strategy considerably increases the life cycle of the materials to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials.
