The II Central American Green Architecture Congress took place last week at La Aduana convention center in San José to generate an opinion and information exchange between students, professionals and organizations about sustainable building in Central America and the rest of the world.
At the Congress also was presented the new certification for sustainable building now available for architects and homebuilders in Costa Rica who want to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
The certification, Requisites for Sustainable Buildings in the Tropics, or RESET, inaugurated Wednesday as part of the 2012 Conference on Green Architecture and Sustainable Construction, held in San José this week, is the first certification of its type in Costa Rica.
President of the Association of Engineers and Architects Carlos Álvarez – the conference – said the new certification isn’t only for Costa Rica, but will be used to certify homes in all of Central America. “What we do with RESET,” Álvarez stated, “is an analysis of the building property, the earth, ecological footprint of the development, water use and wood used, and we try to do more with less.
“Approximately 40 percent of the world’s population lives in the tropics, and a regional and global certification of sustainable building practices is needed, particularly in a world increasingly feeling the effects of human-caused climatic disorder, he said.
The certification will focus on sustainable, low-impact building designs. Cross-ventilation, use of natural light, waste disposal and waste water control will all be taken into account in the certification, as well as the use of local materials and energy-reducing technology integrated into the building being certified.
Costa Rica, like much of the tropics, enjoys a relatively mild climate without major extremes of heat or cold, making it more suitable for ‘green’ building than other land, Álvarez said. He emphasized on the need, however, for regional cooperation and promotion of sustainable building.“We want to be working in parallel with all of Central America,” he mentioned.
This past edition had the visit of international engineers and architects such as: Arq. Simón Vélez‐ Colombia, Arq. Benjamín García‐ Costa Rica, Arq. Jorge Támes‐México, Arq. James Wines‐ USA, Arq. Carlos Mario Yory, Arq. Lars Anders‐Germany, Arq. Bill Dunster‐Inglaterra, Arq. Carlos Luis Larrea – Spain, Arq. German Del Sol‐Chile among others.
Every two years since 1992, the International Biennial has become an important showcase for all professionals who participate in it, through it they are able to unmask innovative projects and ideas regarding architecture and construction current tendencies, as well, projects exposed during this Congress are likely to be published in international media and be taken to international contests. It has become a great way to promote Real Estate market in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Real Estate | Costa Developers
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