Alexandre Biagi Unit was recognized with LEED Platinum and Zero Energy cerfitications

In November 2019, Uberlândia Refrescos’ logistics/distribution center, the Alexandre Biagi Unit, was recognized with LEED Platinum and Zero Energy certifications by the Green Building Council Brasil and United States Green Building Council. That means that the building was made with planning and technology that aims to the well-being of employees and self-sufficiency in water and energy.

The projects that seek for LEED certification are analyzed by seven requirements: Sustainable space; Water effiency; Energy and atmosphere; Materials and resources; Indoor Environmental Quality; Innovation and processes; Regional credits. All of them have prerequisites and credits that as far as acomplished, earn points to the building. The level of attendance of the requisites, before, during and after the project’s conclusion ensures silver, gold or platinum certifications.

The Zero Energy certification was given for the unit’s performance in energy usage. The roof’s photovoltaic plant and the effluents and rainwater treatment stations are the main solutions that made Alexandre Biagi Unit self-sufficient in energy and water. Which also made it the first Coca-Cola building in the world to be recognized with this certification.

The complex has a photovoltaic system with 840 modules and energy capacity of 222,6 KWp and annual power generation of 311.640 KWh, which makes it possible for the unit to generate 100% of the energy that it needs to operate. The roof still has special features that allow heat comfort and natural daylighting with prismatic domes.

The GBC Brasil Zero Energy certification is a tool that works with building developments, renovations and operations that seek for a balance between consumption and power generation through renewable sources. The final certification is given to the endeavors that have at least an year of continuous monitored operation with its annual energy balance reseted.

The certification measures the following requirements: time of operation, minimum occupancy rate, minimum builted area measurements, typology, legislation attendance, Off Grid venture, minimum energy efficiency for on and off site generation, on and off site renewable energy generation, renewable energy credits purchase, non-renewable energy usage and annual energy balance.

The goals are: to ensure the achievement of COP Paris targets; to accelerate the transformation of the national market of energy efficiency and the generation of renewable energy; creation of new jobs; development of new technologies; recognize the entrepreneurs initiatives and to promote healthier environments that are able to make people feel better.

Uberlândia Refrescos CEO Alexandre Biagi, says that “sustainability has been strongly discussed to sensitize as many people as possible”. The CEO highlights that “Uberlândia Refrescos is dedicated to the sustainability projects and the certifications are a result of a lot of engagement and efforts”.

Besides the energy effiency, Alexandre Biagi Unit is also water efficient. Uberlândia Refrescos has a modern Effluent Treatment Station and all of the treated water is used locally in irrigation and bathroom flushes. The company also has a rainwater catchment and storage system that is used locally as well.

Through investments in water technologies the company installed metals and sanitary wares with low water flow in the toilets that, together with smart triggering and dry urinals in men’s restrooms, helps with rationalization. The company still has a Grey Water Treatment Station that catches effluents from showers and sinks that later are used in irrigation and toilet flush.