The University of Environment, after winning the Energy & Hot Climates Award of the International platform, qualified in this category for the final... and won!

A minimal carbon footprint was the main objective behind the construction of this building. To achieve this, stakeholders drew inspiration from traditional constructions and uses of buildings in the region, while providing innovative solutions.

This complex of buildings has thus been conceived to allow the university’s courses to be held indoors as well as outdoors. This has led to a deliberate greening of spaces and a reduction in built spaces. Plants are also present on the roofs of buildings, functioning as a natural insulator. The construction is made of compressed earth blocks for the walls and the window frames are made of wood, reducing the carbon footprint by 70% compared to a standard building.

In addition, in the absence of heating and thanks to exclusively natural ventilation, the only environmental impact factor, water consumption, has been the subject of particular attention. A rainwater harvesting and black waters treatment system allow the university to be almost autonomous, while solar water heaters cover domestic hot water needs.

Education building
Valle de Bravo, Mexico

• Contractor : Miguel Campero Cuenca
• Designer : Oscar Hagerman
• Investor : Federico Llamas

Do you want to know more about this examplary building?
Discover the case study linked with this article.