Tribunales de Justicia Los Chiles
The Justice Department of Costa Rica has opened a new courthouse in Los Chiles, Alajuela. Resource-efficient design features and technologies have been incorporated into the courthouse to reduce its environmental impact and to save on operating costs. External shading devices, a variable refrigerant volume cooling system, and energy-saving lighting were installed to reduce the building’s energy use, while water-efficient plumbing fixtures were installed to reduce the building’s water use. A rainwater harvesting and a blackwater and recycling system were also installed, allowing the courthouse to achieve water savings of over 98 percent.
The courthouse aligns with the Justice Department’s commitment to the environment and plan to certify to the resource efficiency of new construction.
Tribunales de Justicia Los Chiles has received final EDGE certification from the Green Building Council of Costa Rica.
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, external shading devices, higher thermal performance glass, a variable refrigerant volume (VRV) cooling system, solar photovoltaics, energy-saving lighting in internal and external spaces, and occupancy sensors in bathrooms, conference rooms, and closed cabins.
Water
Low-flow faucets in bathrooms, a rainwater harvesting system, a black water treatment and recycling system, and water-efficient single-flush water closets, urinals, and faucets for kitchen sinks.
Materials
Steel sheets on steel rafters for the roof, medium weight hollow concrete blocks for internal and external walls, and cement fibre boards on metal studs for internal walls.
Location
Avenida 1, entre ruta 35 y calle 3 Los Chiles, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Stage
Final EDGE Certification
Date
August 1, 2020
Floor Space (m2)
1,330
Total CO2 Savings (annually)
4.8
Client Details
Certified By
Green Building Council Costa Rica