Sustainability Report
Embedded Carbon
Cascada de Luz prioritizes responsibly sourced timber to minimize its carbon footprint. Utilizing local materials further reduce embodied carbon from transportation.
Operational Emissions / Energy
The project minimizes its environmental impact through a thoughtful integration of passive cooling, renewable energy generation, and a self-sufficient water management system, fostering sustainable living in harmony with its tropical environment.
Passive Cooling Strategies:
- Perforated Roof Panels & Rainwater Harvesting: These panels not only filter debris but also channel rainwater into storage tanks. This harvested water provides a year-round water source and acts as thermal mass, naturally cooling the building and significantly reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.
- Strategic Overhangs & Window Placement: Carefully designed overhangs and the strategic placement of windows effectively control solar heat gain, minimizing internal temperatures.
- Cross-Ventilation: The building design facilitates natural airflow through cross-ventilation, further reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
Renewable Energy Generation:
- Photovoltaic Panels: On-site photovoltaic panels generate renewable electricity, directly decreasing the building's dependence on non-renewable energy sources and their associated carbon emissions.
Self-Sufficient Water System:
- Rainwater Harvesting: The integrated rainwater collection and storage system provides a reliable year-round water supply, reducing the need for external water sources and their associated infrastructure and energy consumption.
Service and maintenance emissions
Service and maintenance emissions are reduced through: durable, low-maintenance materials like responsibly sourced timber and teak louvers; passive cooling and ventilation systems to minimize reliance on mechanical equipment; a self-sufficient rainwater harvesting system to lessen dependence on municipal water infrastructure; and a roof structure designed for easy access to mechanical and electrical systems, simplifying future maintenance.
Afterlife
There are building elements within the project designed with principles supporting integration into the circular economy:
- Responsibly Sourced Timber: Using timber from responsibly managed forests supports sustainable forestry practices.
- Teak Louvers: As a natural and durable material, teak can potentially be reused or recycled at the end of its lifespan.
- Slender Steel Truss System: Steel is a highly recyclable material, making the truss system potentially reintegrable into the circular economy.
- Modular Systems: The integration of various prefabricated and system-based elements (like the roof panels and PV modules) facilitate easier disassembly and component reuse compared to traditional construction.