L'Oreal: First Logistics Center with LEED Platinum Certification

March 6, 2022
March 6, 2022
Por María Paz Otero‍, Sustainability Director en SUMAC
March 6, 2022

The L'Oréal distribution center has been the first logistics center to obtain LEED Platinum certification in Argentina. Some sustainable projects deserve to be told for their savings strategies, and others deserve to be highlighted for their achievements. In this case, we present a project that combines both and that we believe deserves its own space. It is the largest L'Oréal distribution center in Argentina, which not only stands out for the incredible savings obtained, such as achieving potable water savings of up to 65%, but also for crowning itself as the first project to obtain the highest level of LEED certification in this typology in Argentina.

What is LEED?

The LEED program or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the most internationally recognized green building certification system, with the objective of promoting and rewarding sustainable designs. It is a certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. LEED has four certification levels: LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and LEED Platinum; with LEED Certified being the minimum standard and LEED Platinum the highest standard.

The logistics center for L'Oréal by Andreani and Grupo Bautec is located in the Norlog Industrial Park in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Project Development

The construction of the project lasted 2 years, and from the beginning SUMAC participated in it from the conceptualization stage through completion, achieving LEED Platinum certification, and converting the design into a logistics infrastructure of 30,000 m². Additionally, SUMAC was the owner's representative, controlling construction progress and verifying that all requirements were met at this stage, while also providing advice for obtaining the certification, making L'Oréal's logistics warehouse one of the pioneers in savings worldwide.

The objective of the project was to respect design, construction, and operational practices that improve occupant comfort and reduce environmental impact, thus meeting the highest performance standards in efficiency and low environmental impact of LEED Platinum certification.

Strategies Implemented to Obtain LEED Platinum Certification

Achieving potable water savings of up to 65% through:

  • The installation of smart fixtures that reduced potable water consumption and 91.34% of its use in toilets.
  • The installation of dry urinals and rainwater recovery for toilet supply.
  • 100% savings in irrigation water consumption thanks to the installation of native and autochthonous plants.
Achieving overall energy consumption savings of up to 50% thanks to:

  • The purchase of energy for the entire warehouse's consumption.
  • Roof finishes that help avoid heat islands.
  • Increasing ventilation by injecting outdoor air above 30%.

Recycling 77% of materials and waste generated during construction through:

  • The installation of 10.38% of materials with recycled content, 25.81% coming from a radius of less than 800 km.
  • The selection of low VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives.
  • The non-use of refrigerants with pollutants.

Our Services

Undoubtedly, this is a great milestone for sustainability that resulted in the reduction of the carbon and water footprint of the logistics center. It was an honor to be part of this project; at SUMAC we promote strategies for all infrastructures to minimize their environmental impact, rationalize the use of natural resources, and provide a healthier space for occupants. All projects, regardless of their size, have opportunities to improve their efficiency. Our goal is to accompany you through all stages of the project to minimize environmental impact and create value in a more responsible world.

Let's talk about your next project
¡Contáctanos!
Let's talk about your next project
¡Contáctanos!
Let's talk about your next project
¡Contáctanos!
Let's talk about your next project
¡Contáctanos!