Maximum energy certification: commitment number 4 of Colonial's Sustainability Decalogue
In the previous article in this series of posts, devoted to the third of the commitments in our Sustainability Decalogue, the search for official certifications that accredit the sustainability of the buildings in our portfolio of assets, we detailed the measures aimed at transforming old buildings with very low energy efficiency into highly efficient buildings. A key initiative to protect the planet and curb global warming. Today, however, we will focus on commitment number four of that same document: investing in sustainability in new projects to ensure that they obtain maximum energy certification.
Measures adopted to obtain maximum certification in new projects
Taking advantage of the infrastructure of old buildings to build modern office buildings is very important and can significantly reduce the carbon footprint. However, there are times when it is unavoidable to build from nothing, to work from nothing or from almost nothing to create truly sustainable buildings. No infrastructure will do. At least not to any great or significant extent. In situations like this, there is no other strategy than to propose integral building projects. At Colonial, however, we do this on one essential condition: that these new integrated projects enjoy maximum efficiency.
To this end, we implement energy management systems based on international standards ISO 50001 and ISO 14001, we use sustainable materials with a much lower carbon footprint than most conventional building materials, we properly orient windows and terraces to maximize the entry of natural light, we install clean energy generation technologies such as panels or solar panels, we include water saving measures and advanced waste management measures, and we limit the so-called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in some finishing materials. We take care of every detail.
This also includes the installation of LED lighting systems, daylight sensors that automatically regulate artificial lighting and glazing in the facades for better thermal regulation, as well as the abandonment of any type of cleaning product that could have negative consequences on people or the environment itself. The idea is clear: the layout from scratch, or the layout from a minimum base, gives us more room for manoeuvre to fit out the entire building around sustainability and ensure a very high energy efficiency. One that deserves the highest score in the relevant certifications.
Current status at Colonial of the highest certifications for new projects
At present, 95% of the Colonial Group's operating office portfolio has energy certification. However, part of this portfolio has maximum certifications that demonstrate our real estate company's efforts to protect the environment. A certificate is not enough. The goal is top certification. Whether through the construction of office buildings from scratch, as in the case of the iconic Wittywood building in Barcelona, or through the acquisition of buildings that already have a very high level of efficiency. A firm commitment to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency by all available means.
Buildings in Colonial's catalog that exemplify this principle
Wittywood is undoubtedly one of the most important buildings in our asset portfolio. After all, it is the first in the country to be built entirely of wood, a material that, beyond its influence on people's moods, greatly reduces the carbon footprint of both the construction and operational phases of the building. It is the perfect example of the quest for maximum energy certification in new buildings, designed with the aim of achieving LEED and WELL certification at the Platinum and Gold levels, respectively. 83 Marceu, Biome, #Cloud-Paris, Martínez Villergas 49, Discovery Building or Sant Cugat Nord are some of the other Colonial buildings with maximum certifications. Always in the pursuit of excellence.
