Let's learn about the current situation of LEED certification in Latin America and the growth that this type of recognition has had in new and existing buildings.
by ACR Latin America
is the Director of Global Market Development for Latin America at the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the entity in charge of granting LEED certification. ACR Latin America had the opportunity to speak with this outstanding professional, who constantly visits the countries of the region and who knows like the back of her hand the current situation of sustainable projects and LEED certificates.
Nicolette understands very well the operation of green construction in Latin America, recognizes that the region has been growing rapidly in this regard and is optimistic about the future that awaits the industry.
ACR Latin America: What balance has the LEED issue left in Latin America during this 2016?
Nicolette Mueller: Latin Americans understand the challenges of climate change, urbanization, human health, and resource scarcity, and they are embracing opportunities to execute positive impacts on our communities.
LEED is now the most recognized green building rating system in Latin America and the world; and as buildings contribute directly to CO2 emissions and the consumption of precious resources such as energy and water, it provides a tangible, practical and positive solution to a difficult problem. And that has real appeal. It gives us a place to invest our energy and expertise. Once you've experienced a LEED building, or been part of the project team to help achieve LEED, the broader impact is that people are more likely to look for other areas of impact – transportation, human health, education, and more – creating a curl effect in Latin America. It is increasingly recognized that LEED works in Latin America, and is part of a larger sustainability movement.
ACR: What does a market like Latin America mean for the USGBC?
Nicolette: The Latin American market is really inspiring, and we see a lot of potential. LEED projects in Latin America have been going on for almost 10 years and we are currently seeing that a real evolution and transition is taking place. Before it was multinational corporations looking for LEED space, but now, in addition to the strong demand from these global leaders, we are seeing growth in the number of national and local companies looking for LEED office space. And not just offices – the number of factories, industrial facilities, data centers, schools, shops and shopping venues, hotels and sports fields contribute to LEED growth in Latin America.
ACR: Which are the countries that are standing out the most in the LEED certification process in Latin America?
Nicolette: Our top five countries for LEED in Latin America are Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Argentina. Together, these countries account for more than 62,000,000 total square meters, that is, almost the size of Rio de Janiero or equivalent to 7,625 of FIFA's largest football fields.
ACR: What are the countries where there is still a lot of work to be done to increase their LEED projects?
Nicolette: I think many of our major markets for LEED have demonstrated the technical capability and market recognition of the value of LEED, and we should expect to see more of these leaders. Peru, Panama and Costa Rica have a growing number of such projects, as well as a diversity in market segments – from hotels to offices to data centers – and more equal projects are expected there.
El Salvador is another emerging market, which more than doubled the number of LEED projects this year. El Salvador's GBC (Green Building Council), LEED experts and universities are working tirelessly to drive the green building movement and create stronger LEED numbers in this region.
ACR: How important is the contribution of air conditioning and refrigeration technologies to LEED Certification?
Nicolette: LEED was created and designed to be a holistic system for understanding and evaluating what it means to be a green building, going beyond energy efficiency best practices. But energy efficiency has always been where project teams can earn more points for their LEED rating, and HVAC technologies are critical to helping projects achieve their energy efficiency and indoor air quality goals.
ACR: What are the LEED projects that have caught your attention recently in Latin America?
Nicolette: I think the most influential in Latin America right now is the new Mexico City airport project, which seeks LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4. Not only is this project amazing in size and scope, but it has the ability to directly influence everyone who is in contact with that airport, from the contractors and builders who will build this project to the manufacturers who will provide accessories, materials and furniture for the space; as well as all the people who will work at the airport and those who pass through this space on their way to and from Mexico City. This project has the potential to reach millions of people and further increase awareness of green building in Latin America.
ACR: To date, how many projects are there in Latin America?
Nicolette: As of October 2016, we have 1,044 LEED certified projects in Latin America with another 2,485 projects in the pipeline and seeking LEED.
ACR: How does the USGBC incentivize buildings to become LEED certified?
Nicolette: We encourage project teams to pursue LEED certification by demonstrating the value LEED earns and to show how it positively affects buildings and the owner's triple base: people, plants, and profits. For new construction, we often highlight how a LEED building construction costs the same as a conventional construction.
ACR: What projects does the USGBC develop in Latin America?
Nicolette: In 2017 and beyond, the USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) are looking to dramatically expand the green building market and make the kind of direct investment in capacity and expertise to support a larger and more dynamic market.
We have recently introduced a platform called "arc" that will allow any building to participate and immediately start measuring performance, making improvements and comparing it to itself. LEED-certified buildings can use "arc" to upgrade and compare to other certified buildings around them. Buildings that have not yet been certified will also be able to use "arc" to make incremental sustainability improvements and eventually become LEED certified.
In the last year, we have introduced new tools like EDGE to the market, which is designed to help emerging economies and market segments start building green.
In 2016 we celebrated the first WELL certified projects that focus on human well-being and health in buildings.
For 2017, we expect to see the start of GBCI Latin America with staff and experts working to support project teams with technical expertise and solutions. GBCI Latin America will provide the type of investment and resources needed to help. It will be the perfect complement to the excellent work that is being carried out with the network of Green Building Councils of Latin America that are convening the market, leading education and advocacy work.
