Colombia. Energy savings of 32% and a reduction in drinking water consumption of 35% are some of the not insignificant features of the Ean Legacy building, one of the main headquarters of EAN University and a benchmark for environmental sustainability.
This particular construction is the only building in Colombia, to date, that has been designed by William McDonough, renowned and award-winning American architect, founder of William McDonough + Partners, whose line focuses on environmental responsibility.
The Ean Legacy has an area of 20,000 square meters, divided into 10 floors, with capacity to accommodate 1681 study positions for 4,000 students that, in addition, delivers 1,300 square meters of public space and 467 square meters of environmental strip. Its history began in September 2017, when it was presented as a project within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the green growth strategy of the National Development Plan (2014-2018). At that time it was estimated a cost of $ 71,000 million and 2 years for the construction of the university headquarters.
Its construction, which began at the end of that same year, was characterized by the fact that 99.75% of the waste was classified for new uses. It stands out, among other things, for its characteristic façade composed of 'Wonderframe' panels, which provides lighting and a natural ventilation system to the entire building, through the use of drafts. In addition, it reduces up to 74 tons of its CO2 emissions and saves an energy consumption of around 194 MWh per year, since 95% of the spaces have natural light.
The Ean Legacy was inaugurated on March 18, 2021, the year in which it also won first place in the Audience Award for the Construverde Sustainable Project 2021, recognition granted by the Colombian Council of Sustainable Construction (CCCS). After this he received the Leed Gold Certificate from the U.S. Green Building Counsil, being the first university project to obtain this certification in Colombia.
Finally, by September 2021 the recognition went to EAN University, which received the Carbon Neutral certification from Icontec. By integrating actions and implementations to achieve the reduction, increase of removal and compensation of GHG emissions, until reaching a result of zero in said emissions. However, it is undeniable that this award is also given thanks to the contribution that the Ean Legacy makes to the university, with its environmentally friendly design and functionality.
