EN 
PT_BR 
The search for better use of water and energy was a premise in the construction of the new headquarters of the Fecomércio-RS/Sesc/Senac System in Rio Grande do Sul.
The project invested in natural lighting, solar energy and installed 10 thousand square meters of green roofs. A sustainable coverage, according to the entity, is considered one of the largest in Latin America at the moment.
In total, the 400 KWp photovoltaic system has 1,250 photovoltaic panels from JA Solar and six inverters from Huawei. A projected annual savings are R$ 500 thousand, which corresponds to 25% of the building's consumption.
With the amount saved, the company will reinvest in infrastructure to continue permanently promoting improvements in the space that houses the System's new headquarters.
More details about the project
Designed by Estúdio 41, the building houses the entity's Administrative space. Care for natural resources began with the construction of the building with natural stones, adequate waste collection, control of oils and solvents and a photovoltaic energy capture system.
Ecotelhado's green roofs were designed to increase thermal insulation and have cisterns to retain rainwater, which irrigates the vegetation on the roof and can later be directed to gardening or the lake.
“With green roofs, we were able to reduce the temperature by around five degrees less than the external environment during hot seasons, which saves us electricity. We have the capacity to capture and retain 90 thousand liters of water”, explained Vitor Dossa, condominium manager.
How does green coverage work?
According to architect Catarina Feijó, from Ecotelhado, the result is possible because there is an efficient system behind it. “Our roof is hydroponic, which is the cultivation of plants with little use of substrate.”
“We developed several modules that are suitable according to the project’s area of insertion, leaving space under the vegetation for water to be stored inside. In developing these systems, we also use biomimicry design, which is inspired by nature”, he highlighted.
In addition to reducing energy costs, capturing and allowing the reuse of drinking water, the architect remembers that the green roof plays an important role in urban drainage, since rainwater that would go into the streets and could cause flooding is reused.
“It also acts as an acoustic insulator, reduces pollution in the city, promotes biodiversity, attracting butterflies and birds, and can become an excellent living space in companies and condominiums. It also helps in scoring sustainable certifications, such as LEED and Water”, added Catarina.
