Sustainability Report
Certificates
Embodied carbon
The Hoso building in Porto exemplifies sustainable design through a multifaceted approach:
- Prefabricated Concrete Construction: Off-site prefabrication of concrete elements resulted in a 30% reduction in construction time and waste. This method also ensures higher quality control and predictability.
- Local Sourcing: The project prioritized the use of locally sourced Portuguese materials for taps, melamine, and frames, for improving regional economies and minimizing transportation-related emissions.
- Optimized Design for Energy Efficiency: Deep balconies were strategically incorporated into the design to provide natural shading, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning and promoting natural ventilation.
- Circular Economy Principles: The modular design and efficient stacking of prefabricated concrete pieces inherently reduce transportation needs and material waste, aligning with circular economy principles.
- LEED Silver Certification: The project's commitment to sustainability is formally recognized through the achievement of LEED Silver certification, validating its energy efficiency and other green building measures.
- Enhanced Acoustic and Thermal Performance: The facade design acts as a protective barrier, effectively shielding housing units from noise pollution and excessive sun exposure, thereby improving the overall comfort and energy efficiency of the building.
Operational Emissions / Energy
The Hoso building in Porto, Portugal, achieved carbon emission reduction through integrated strategies that support the city's decarbonization and environmental preservation goals.
Key achievements include minimizing fossil fuel reliance via energy-efficient materials and passive solar design, utilizing natural ventilation and lighting to reduce energy consumption, and incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels to further lower its carbon footprint. Adaptation to climate change is addressed through heat island mitigation and improved rainwater management. Furthermore, natural ventilation and lighting enhance the indoor environment, promoting occupant well-being and reducing reliance on air conditioning. Specific design strategies include: passive solar design that optimizes solar gain; energy-efficient materials with low embodied energy and high thermal insulation; and natural ventilation to minimize mechanical systems.
Afterlife
The prefabricated architecture of Hoso offers technical advantages and supports the building's LEED Silver certification by using locally sourced sustainable materials like Portuguese taps, melamine, and frames.
Architect Julião Pinto Leite noted, “Prefabrication made sense within the sustainability framework, as all components stack efficiently, reducing transportation needs and fostering a circular economy.”
This approach reflects a growing architectural trend, showcasing how industrial techniques can blend with design innovation. By adopting these principles, the project reimagines student accommodation to meet the demands of contemporary urban living.