MANILA, Philippines – SM Aura Premier has received the prestigious LEED Gold certification after following the standards set by the 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, then energy and water efficiency. He cited the mall’s very 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 20 percent of the cost of construction materials were from recycled materials, and over 95 percent of the construction waste was recycled,” Sih said.
Sih said SM Aura Premier’s Sky Park, which covers more than half of the building, 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.
Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC, underscored the significance of SM Aura Premier’s LEED Gold certification. “Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” Ramanujam said.