The unsustainable environmental impact that shopping malls have due to the large amount of energy they use to operate is undeniable. These spaces are permanently illuminated, require constant energy to heat and cool food and spaces, have a high water consumption and generate a large amount of waste, increasing their carbon footprint and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, surfaces and buildings of these dimensions absorb and retain heat, altering the energy balance of the urban microclimate. This phenomenon, together with the increase in solar radiation, intensifies soil dehydration and increases air dryness in cities.
Therefore, it is essential that this sector implements comprehensive sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and operations.
All the electricity consumed in Sello is generated with 100% renewable energy, thus eliminating carbon dioxide emissions related to electricity and mall heating.
Sello has integrated a virtual power plant that includes 2,500 solar panels and an automatic intelligent energy control system, which has significantly contributed to the energy efficiency of the site. This has resulted in a reduction in electricity consumption by 20% over the past five years.
It has also been recognized for its advanced waste management, obtaining a certificate for maintaining a 100% carbon-neutral waste management in 2017 and 2018. This achievement is in addition to the significant reduction in its carbon footprint by 35% during 2019, the result of its continuous commitment to sustainable and energy efficient practices.
In addition, because the public transport connections to Sello are good, a large part of the employees use this means to go to work, which helps to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with their commute.
Sello is also actively involved in global initiatives such as International Green Building Week, promoting the reduction of carbon emissions at all stages of the life cycle of buildings.
The implementation of all these measures evidences Sello's continuous and systematic commitment to sustainability and its leadership in environmental management within the shopping mall sector.
For these reasons, the Sello Shopping Center has the LEED Platinum certification, which is the highest level of LEED.
Eden collects and manages more than 45% of rainwater, which is used to supply 100% of the discharges from sanitary appliances and the irrigation system, contributing to water efficiency.
In addition, it has a wastewater treatment plant that ensures the discharge of high quality water to the sewer, achieving an efficiency of more than 80% in the removal of organic load and sediment.
It also has an intelligent lighting system that adjusts according to the schedule with the highest influx of users. The implementation of the automated lighting system and the maximum use of natural light has contributed to the energy efficiency of the mall.
Sustainability practices were present from the planning and construction stage. Between 95 and 97% of the materials used in the construction of the building were reused and are reusable. More than 250 m2 were allocated to manage waste on site; when it was separated, classified and reused, nearly 60% of the waste generated was used.
For these reasons, Eden obtained the LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of LEED certification.
To achieve energy efficiency, Real Plaza Puruchuco implemented the following measures: reduced the ratio between windows and walls, used reflective paint and tiles, installed low-emissivity coated glass, took advantage of natural ventilation, and implemented energy efficient lighting in interior, common and outdoor areas.
It also installed energy-saving toilets, urinals and kitchen faucets, as well as aerators and faucets with automatic shutoff, contributing to water efficiency.
In addition, it incorporated rooms for segregating waste and recycling stations, as well as a structure composed of reinforced concrete slabs on site for the floor and roof, fiber-cement panels on metal studs for interior and exterior walls, hollow medium-weight concrete blocks for internal walls, and other materials.
For all this and the advice of Leaf Global, Real Plaza Puruchuco obtained the EDGE Certification end of the GBCI, becoming the largest commercial space in the world to receive this certification.
Sources consulted: El Sol de México newspaper Seal.fi Construible.es edgebuildings.com
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