MARN Despacho Superior
EDGE Advanced
MARN Despacho Superior is an office building part of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources of Guatemala, located in central Guatemala City. In its role as the public authority overseeing environmental matters, the ministry has directed actions towards sustainability through the Integrated Green/Sustainable Building Program, including the application of the EDGE Certification, which has been a mechanism for learning, research and recognition of the application and achievement of objectives in the reduction of consumption, energy water and proper management of materials and waste.
The project consists of a retrofit of an existing 408 square meter office building which is part of the historic city center of Guatemala City and which has been designated as a structure of national and cultural heritage. The project will serve as a pioneer in the retrofit of existing buildings in this category.
Through the use of energy-efficient technologies such as reflective paint for external walls, an energy-efficient HVAC system, LED lighting, water-efficient plumbing features and the re-use of existing structures such as floor, walls, and roof, the project was able to significantly reduce energy and water use and particularly energy embodied in materials.
MARN Despacho Superior has received Final EDGE Advanced Certification from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
Predicted Savings of EDGE Certification
Energy Savings*
Water Savings
Less Embodied Energy in Materials
*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.
Technical Solutions
Energy
Reduced window to wall ratio, reflective paint for external walls, air conditioning with air cooled screw chiller, and energy-saving lighting internal and external spaces.
Water
Low-flow faucets in bathrooms, efficient flush for water closets, and water-efficient urinals in bathrooms.
Materials
Re-use of existing floor slab, re-use of existing roof, re-use of existing internal and external walls, parquet/ wood block finishes and re-use of existing flooring for floor, and re-use of existing window frames.
Location
Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales de Guatemala, Despacho Superior 7ma. avenida 03-67 zona 13 Guatemala City, Guatemala 01013 Guatemala
Stage
Final EDGE Certification
Date
November 1, 2020
Floor Space (m2)
408.33
Total CO2 Savings (annually)
18.43
Project Auditor
David Dominguez
Project Expert
Alejandro Rivera
Certified By
Green Business Certification Inc.