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Building/Project Details

Building/Project NameBEA 347. Oficinas Bioconstrucción Construction / refurbishment date01/02/2011 Building/Project Size431.00
Building/Project Typeother Address Río Mississippi 347, Col. DEl Valle, San Pedro Garza García, 66220 San Pedro Garza García 66220 Region americas

Performance Details

Health and Wellbeing

Existing buildings or developments that demonstrate outstanding performance in improving the health, equity and/or resilience of people in local communities.

Achieved Certification Scheme: leed_platinum

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BEA347 (Bioconstrucción offices) is an remarkable example of a building that combines energy and resources high-performance and healthy interior spaces. In 2011, BEA347 achieved the first LEED Platinum Certification in Latin America, demonstrating that buildings with a high commitment to sustainability can be created in different areas in Mexico. After, in 2015, this project earned in 2015 a second LEED Platinum Certification for Operations + Maintenance. BEA347 was, again, under the spotlight for being the first project in Latin America that earned Platinum level in version 4, recently created by then. Being consistent with the company’s philosophy, and always looking to offer solutions to make healthier and more sustainable buildings, BEA347 earned the first WELL Certification in Mexico in 2017. The path to achieving this new human-focused certification represented a new workflow in BEA’s team, and many new considerations and adjustments were made in order to address the WELL Building Standard. WELL Certification experience has been shared in different forums, talks and academics events with the purpose to spread the word about healthy spaces and show the audience that sustainability how to replicate this kind of buildings around the world. Nowadays, BEA347 is registered for LEED recertification on the newest version 4.1, and, also, combining these efforts to achieve a second WELL award. Project features that helped BEA347 achieve its WELL Certified Silver rating include: Air ● Implementation of ventilation systems with broader filters to prevent the entrance of harmful agents to the occupants’ respiratory system. ● A detailed maintenance and balanced control of HVAC system. ● Creation of cleaning procedures that include activities, training, and specific frequencies, as well as lists of high-and-low-contact objects. ● Changes in purchase policies to verify that products comply with the maximum allowed limits of harmful elements, such as volatile organic compounds, asbestos, lead and mercury. ● Updates to the tobacco smoke control policy, prohibiting completely the use of any product that emits tobacco smoke, both inside and outside the property. Water ● Assurance that water supplied does not exceed the maximum limits allowed by WELL of organic and inorganic elements, such as coliforms, lead, arsenic, mercury, copper, styrene, benzene, among others. Nourishment ● Promotion of good nutrition through posters placed inside the office and distributed through the company channels. ● Replacement of faucet keys in order to improve the hygienic action when hand washing, by combining the correct height of the faucet with water pressure. ● Disposable soap dispensers that supply liquid, antibacterial, non-fragrance soap. ● Paper and disposable drying towels. ● As a good practice, the company will provide food that meets WELL specifications when performing extraordinary off-site events. Nourishment ● Promotion of good nutrition through posters placed inside the office and distributed through the company channels. ● Replacement of faucet keys in order to improve the hygienic action when hand washing, by combining the correct height of the faucet with water pressure. ● Disposable soap dispensers that supply liquid, antibacterial, non-fragrance soap. ● Paper and disposable drying towels. ● As a good practice, the company will provide food that meets WELL specifications when performing extraordinary off-site events. Light ● General luminaires were replaced ensuring the minimum average illumination level of 215 lux. ● In work stations where 300-lux level is not obtained, individual desk lamps were supplied. ● To avoid high contrast between areas, the building has semi-transparent doors, large windows, solatubes and glass walls that avoid an abrupt luminosity change when moving between areas. ● A lighting simulation, through a specialized computer software, was used to identify lighting solutions that do not affect the occupants, taking into consideration the circadian cycle. ● To minimize glare, all work-stations windows have user adjustable blinds. Fitness ● Special policies were created for enrolling into gym or physical activity centers ● A special fund was created for group activities in general, such as races, fitness activities or sports teams. Comfort ● To comply with ADA’s (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility requirements, renovation of the main façade, the exterior curb, and rearrangement of furniture, was carried out. ● 30% of all work stations have height-adjustable furniture that allows the user to work standing or sitting according to their preference. ● All spaces have ergonomic furniture, for occupants and visitors. ● By having a quiet HVAC system and a broad building envelope that minimizes exterior sound elements, levels of distraction in occupants, caused by noise, are reduced. Mind ● The user reconnects with the environment through natural elements, such as a green roof and green walls, daylight and interior plants and gardens. ● A dossier was elaborated with the amenities that the building offers, as well as the WELL Building Standard guide. Both are available to any visitor. ● Application of occupant’s surveys about their comfort level and overall experience in the building. ● Promotion of local culture and public art through free expression spaces. ● Obtention of the JUST label, a social equity label to measure different indicators in the workspace, created by the International Living Future Institute.

Submitter's Details

OrganisationBioconstrucción y Energía Alternativa Member of GBCSUMe, Sustentabilidad para México

BEA347 is a remarkable example of how buildings can integrate environmental-friendly strategies, while providing improved spaces that enhance occupant abilities. Having addressed the highest demands, this project became an example that opened the Mexican market and has been referenced by several organizations, including the WorldGBC. There is a high level of satisfaction by the occupants, according to an internal survey, which are also committed to maximum energy and resource savings. Currently, BEA347 participates in many initiatives and offers free tours to the public, mainly universities, which integrate sustainability into educational plans. This project aims to keep being a project with a high level of sustainability in Latin America. Nowadays, BEA347 is registered for LEED recertification on the newest version 4.1, and, also, combining these efforts to achieve second WELL certification.