Centro de Desarrollo Emprendedor y Laboral (CeDEL)
Developed by Jefatura de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Centro de Desarrollo Emprendedor y Laboral (CeDEL) is a modern, three-story government office building located in the heart of Barrio 31, one of Buenos Aires’ poorest neighborhoods lacking formal access to electricity and water. The new building, which was constructed over the ruins of a notorious drug distribution center, symbolizes the city’s ambition to revitalize Barrio 31.
Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, the mayor of Buenos Aires, is spearheading the poverty reduction strategy behind Barrio 31’s revitalization, which emphasizes the value of green buildings. CeDEL’s green design incurred no additional capital costs and is exemplary for its low embodied energy, as existing walls and the floor slab were salvaged. The building will save nearly $2,000 per year in utilities.
CeDEL has received final EDGE certification from GBCI.
Predicted Savings of EDGE Certification
38%
Energy Savings*
23%
Water Savings
63%
Less Embodied Energy in Materials
Technical Solutions
Energy
Reduced window to wall ratio, reflective paint for roof and walls, roof and wall insulation, and energy-saving lighting for internal and external spaces.
Water
Rainwater harvesting system and low-flow plumbing fixtures for kitchen sinks, washbasins, water closets and shower-heads.
Materials
Reuse of existing floor slabs and external walls with steel profile cladding, plasterboards on metal studs for internal walls, steel sheets on steel rafters for the roof, and ceramic tile.
*Part of the energy efficiency percentage may be associated with virtual energy for comfort depending on the presence of heating and cooling systems. Note that virtual energy does not contribute savings to utility bills.
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EDGE is currently funded by the UK Government with original funding by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Additional support has been provided by Austria, Canada, Denmark, ESMAP, EU, Finland, GEF, Hungary and Japan.