For the first time Breeam Es has awarded the certificate of the category "In use" to a building, it is the Islazul shopping center, in Madrid.
This seal is dedicated to supporting building managers and managers to reduce the expenses they incur for their operation. It also helps to improve the environmental performance of buildings.
This is an evaluation methodology and a certification process that offers a clear and rational guide with which it is possible to improve the sustainability of buildings.
The classification obtained by the shopping center is Very Good in the section that evaluates The Building (Part 1), and Excellent in the section that evaluates The Management of the Building (Part 2).
Breeam Is "In Use" can be applied to properties of all typologies and uses except the residential segment.
Within the conditions to access this recognition it is essential that the properties have a minimum of 2 years in operation in order to evaluate the real behavior of the property through information on environmental benefits, invoices and other consumption records of the property.
Among the actions that has been done to this shopping center deserving of the certificate, you can count its special care in the reduction of energy consumption through the implementation of solar energy, the monitoring and control of environmental parameters and the use of the ventilation system "free cooling", which provides natural ventilation for approximately 40% of the year, representing significant savings and ensuring comfort and air quality.
Similarly, between 2011 and 2012 the company has replaced more than 50% of fluorescent lamps with Led lamps. In 2011 the energy management has been outsourced to a specialized company that has implemented a system of monitoring energy consumption.
An environmental policy was also implemented that includes improvements in the operation and maintenance of the building focused on energy efficiency and sustainable water management, with commitments to improve for 2012-2013.
On the other hand, a sustainable purchasing policy was designed with which it is expected to reduce the presence of hazardous materials and products that emit VOCs, among other measures.
Acoustic and light comfort were also evaluated to improve the quality of the spaces and comfort criteria were incorporated into user surveys.
