The new university campus of the Loyola
University, located in Dos Hermanas, Seville, and designed by luis vidal + architects,
has managed to be recognized with the LEED Platinum environmental certificate,
thanks to its strong commitment to the integral sustainability of the entire
complex.
The campus, inaugurated at the end of last
year for the 2019-2020 academic year, was designed with the aim of achieving
comfortable and pleasant spaces that favor the university community and
academic activity, while emphasizing the value of 5G, a 21st century university
center: technological, accessible, sustainable, responsible and that takes
the humane being as a measure. All these values have been key to designing
the world's first integrated 5G campus that is also energy efficient and stands
as an environmental benchmark as the first to achieve such high certification.
This commitment to sustainability has
materialized in numerous measures. About materials, more than 20% of the
building's materials come from previous uses, and more than 30% have extraction
and production within 800 km away. Thus avoiding or significantly reducing the
environmental damage inherent to large material displacements.
On the other hand, the vegetation of
the plot has been restored with native or adapted species in a manner
consistent with the local climate, which results in fewer risks for existing
local flora, less water consumption and a better survival rate of the implanted
species. The landscaped areas occupy 12,100 m2, where 173 specimens
of 14 different species of trees and 41,736 specimens of 63 different species
of perennial shrubs and carpets have been planted.
Likewise, in the efficient use of water, the construction of a cistern for the implementation of a partial recovery system for gray water for use in toilets stands out, in addition to the correct management of rainwater on the plot.
Regarding energy efficiency measures,
among others, the proper orientation of the building -mainly North and South-
and the control of sunlight (candles, overhangs) to prevent excessive heat
gains through the facades; the building envelope (roofs, facades, windows) is
very careful to minimize excessive energy gains and losses; the colors of the
covering materials are reflective, to avoid the accumulation of heat received
by radiation; and the installation of photovoltaic panels with a maximum
production of 150 KWp, which means a reduction in the net energy consumption of
the building.
Altogether, the measures implemented assume
that the building consumes around 40% less than a similar building that
simply meets current regulations.
The quality of the indoor environment has
also been considered with various measures. Materials with low levels of VOCs
(Volatile Organic Components) were selected to reduce the environmental
footprint of the facilities. In addition, large mats are incorporated into the
design of the entrances to the main building to perform a first filtering of
harmful substances that may come from outside. This reduces the level of dirt
inside buildings. The reprography rooms are also separated from the rest of the
areas in each plant where they are present and are equipped with self-closures
and specific ventilation, preventing emissions from the machinery from
polluting the interior air
Lastly, it should be noted that the design
of the complex encourages walking, both inside and outside the building. This
is achieved with the design of the landscaping, the prominence of the
stairs, or the generation of pleasant interior itineraries.