SM Aura receives LEED Gold certification for Its green features
SM Aura Premier announced yesterday it received the prestigious LEED®Gold certification after following the standards set by US Green Building Council (USGBC®) for implementing practical and measurable green building solutions. The USGBC developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved health and environmental performance.
According to LEED Consultant Raymond Andrew Sih, SM Aura achieved LEED Gold by meeting and exceeding international standards in indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy and water efficiency. He cited the mall’s own waste-water treatment plant that recycles water for non-potable use, the energy efficient LED lighting system, the centralized air conditioning system cooled with recycled water, and double low emissivity insulated glass panels, to name a few. In addition, the entire operation is run optimally with regular measurement and verification.
“SM Aura Premier was built with the environment in mind. Almost a third of the cost of construction materials were locally sourced, over twenty percent of the cost of construction materials werefrom recycled materials, and over ninety-five percent of the construction waste was recycled,” Sih said.
Sih also pointed out SM Aura Premier’s Sky Park, which covers more than half of the building. The roof garden, according to Sih, not only “provides visitors with a great place to dine, relax and enjoy views from up high; it also gives plants plenty of soil, recycled water, and room to grow while protecting the building from the heat of the sun.”
Apart from this outdoor green feature, SM Aura also maintains good indoor air quality for its occupants. The mall is also conveniently located where one can walk or bike to various businesses, offices, homes, public amenities, and transportation facilities.
SM Aura is the first mall to achieve LEED Gold in the retail sector in the Philippines, as well as the largest based on gross square footage.