Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
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Modular, prefabricated structure: precast concrete panels and a simple 7.5-meter module reduce site waste, shorten schedule, and improve quality control (fewer rejects, less rework). That reduces construction waste and some transportation and erection emissions compared to inefficient cast-in-place sequences.
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Standardization of components: Repeated, off-the-shelf modules and enclosure systems reduce bespoke fabrication, which in turn reduces material offcuts and overordering.
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Selection of certified, durable materials: specification calls for certified high-durability products (brises, solar-control glass, thermoacoustic roof tiles, expanded metal, exposed concrete) to extend service life and reduce replacement cycles.
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Design for disassembly at non-structural level: movable panels, removable partitions, and standardized brise elements were specified to allow re-use, redistribution, or part-replacement.
Operational Emissions / Energy
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Climate-appropriate passive design: natural ventilation sized with CFD based on prevailing east/southeast winds (~3 m/s); adaptive thermal comfort study showing ~80% occupant comfort without mechanical conditioning.
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Daylight & solar control: optimized brise-soleils (orientation + sizing derived from solar studies) and high daylight autonomy (>80% of occupied time for main spaces) reduce lighting and cooling loads.
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Photovoltaic array: on-site PV offsets part of the electricity demand.
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Validated performance: energy simulations indicate ~50% annual energy reduction relative to the Brazilian benchmark for schools (DEO) and an approximate 50% reduction in operational CO₂ versus comparable conventional schools.
Service and maintenance emissions
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Exposed MEP installations (industrial aesthetic) — simplifies inspection, repair, and future upgrades, reducing service time and invasive interventions.
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Durable finishes & long-life components (thermoacoustic tiles, metal brises, precast concrete) to reduce replacement frequency.
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Demountable interiors and standardized signage/panel systems for easy updates and reconfiguration without heavy demolition.
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Design for maintainability: brise panels and shading devices are standardized for redistribution/repair.
Afterlife
The project was designed with flexibility as a guiding principle. The 7.5-meter modular grid and precast structure allow classrooms and activity spaces to be reconfigured over time. Movable partitions and panels make it possible to adapt the interior layout without major demolition, so the building can support different educational models or alternative program uses in the future. Circulation areas and multi-use voids further strengthen this adaptability.
Certain building elements were intentionally designed for ease of disassembly. Interior partitions, movable panels, and standardized signage systems can be removed and reused. The brise-soleils, oriented by solar exposure, were designed as standardized modules that can be redistributed, replaced, or dismantled at end of life. Exposed electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems also simplify upgrades and component replacement without invasive construction, supporting material reuse and extended service life.
Key products in low carbon design
