An environmentally sensitive building for Brazil, providing positive inspiration for business and wellness for its users
Project Details
- Scheme & Version: In-Use International 2015 Parts: 1, 2 & 3
- Location: Cuiabá, Brazil
- Size: 1000m2
- Certificate Number: BIU00000619-1.0
- Asset Performance: 73.3% Excellent
- Building Management: 83.4% Excellent
- Occupier Management: 72.60% Excellent
The above information is for the original certification of this project, please reference GreenBookLive for current details
Project Team
- Client / Developer: Sebrae
- Assessor Organisation: MLM Consulting Engineer
About the Project
The Sebrae Sustainability Center, located in Cuiabá, Brazil, is sensitively designed taking into account environment and climate, together with vernacular architecture and a passive design strategy.
The building is inspired by the indigenous hut shape, with double layer external envelope skin. Its oval shape helps to capture rainwater though the air gap between the concrete skins. This strategy also helps to cool down the inner concrete skin, consequently adjusting the indoor temperature through latent cooling by evaporation.
Construction started on site in 2008 and sustainability has been embedded into the process since early design stage, especially around low environmental impact and the integration of nature. The site is 2,500m2, with the building itself covering 1000m2. It is divided into two floors, and the lower ground floor includes an auditorium and open plan office space.
Why did this building undergo BREEAM Certification?
Sebrae chose BREEAM as a strong sustainability benchmark which goes beyond best practices and local building codes, helping the team to understand the relationship between the building and the building user.
Sebrae aim to provide a very positive example for entrepreneurs, who want to build or refurbish their buildings. The BREEAM process has also enabled permanent research for innovation and continuous improvements in the built environment for the client.
Energy self-sufficient, including onsite PV and with energy constantly reviewed and monitored
Accessibility embeded in the design. Temperature & acoustics monitored, Internal workshops address wellbeing
Purchasing policy prioritises local suppliers who incorporate eco efficiency and sustainability into their activities
A maintenance plan is in place that supports biodiversity, and Information about flora and fauna is disseminated through an intranet
Video conferencing facilities reduce need for business travel, information on public transport is made readily available to building users
Waste is segregated and bins are located for easy access. Food waste is composted and used to fertilise landscaping
Non-toxic cleaning products are procured. Rainwater is collected and permeable surfaces and drainage mitigate risk of water course pollution
Proactive maintenance in place. A strong, holistic environmental policy explains the benefits of using less resources to staff and users
Excellent use of the local climate zone, using evaporative cooling integrated into the double-skin concrete roof structure, designed with an indigenous vernacular
Water consumption constantly monitored. Rainwater harvesting and re-use offsets 78% of potable water usage.