Sustainable Architecture Week

Join UGREEN Live: Build a Sustainable Future!

🌱 Transform Your Career: Join Us for Sustainable Design Masterclasses 🌱

Hey there,

On Monday 11/11/2024 at 03 PM UTC, we kick off an event that could transform your career into something more sustainable and innovative.

This series of live and free classes will reveal the path to becoming a standout in sustainable interior design, combining purpose with innovation and professional growth.

We'll prove LIVE that this is the decade's greatest opportunity to join a group of professionals shaping the future of sustainable construction and design. The best part? You can start this journey regardless of where you live or your current position, as this field is growing and in high demand.

To secure your spot and not miss this unique chance, set a reminder for the First Class:

The classes start live at 03 PM UTC, and I’ve prepared two special surprises for you:

1. You’ll receive the complete class material, protected by a password revealed during the live broadcast.

2. Watching the classes in full guarantees your event certificate.

Bonus Step: If you're truly committed to this journey, leave a like on the video.

See you at 03 PM UTC

Filipe Boni UGREEN

P.S.: What are you waiting for? Click here, set the reminder, and leave your like on the class.

🌿 Let's make sustainability the standard. Don't miss out! 🌿

Popai Brazil Architecture Award

We are excited to share some incredible news with you! Our Casa Guararapes Caçador is competing for the Popai Brazil Architecture Award, and we’ve made it to the popular vote stage. This award recognizes the best store design and architecture projects across Brazil, and now we need your help to achieve this victory!

How to vote?

It’s super simple! Just click the link below, find the category "Design and Store Architecture Projects," and vote for our Casa Guararapes Caçador.

Casa Guararapes Caçador was designed by UGREEN and has become a reference in sustainability, architecture, and interior design. Created to serve as the brand’s showroom, it hosts visits from partners and both internal and external events. The project was planned to be sustainable and environmentally viable, emphasizing customer experience and a strong connection to nature.

That’s why every vote means so much to us!!

Thank you so much for your continued support! Let’s achieve this victory together!

Sincerely,
UGREEN Team

EDGE Certification

EDGE Certification: The Key to Sustainable and Affordable Construction in Emerging Markets

🌿 EDGE Certification: A Strategic Step for Sustainable Construction in Emerging Markets

🔍 What is EDGE Certification?

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Certification, developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is an international system aimed at democratizing sustainable construction, making it more accessible and efficient, especially in emerging countries. The goal is clear: to promote green buildings adapted to local realities through a simplified and less costly process.

🌍 Why is EDGE Certification Important?

In emerging markets, the construction industry is booming, but with this growth come significant environmental challenges. EDGE provides a practical and accessible response to make these developments more sustainable, helping to reduce environmental impact through efficient use of energy, water, and materials.

⚖️ Comparison: EDGE vs. LEED

• LEED is a robust system that evaluates various environmental aspects but can be expensive and complex for smaller-scale projects.

• EDGE, on the other hand, focuses on three main areas: Energy, Water, and Materials, making the certification process simpler and more accessible. The use of the EDGE App facilitates performance simulation and comparisons with local benchmarks.

🏢 Examples of EDGE Certified Projects

One of the highlights of EDGE-certified projects includes the IQON Building in Quito, Ecuador, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). This building uses local materials, has a green façade with native vegetation, and features an advanced energy efficiency system, achieving EDGE Advanced certification.

Another example is the World Bank Group Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where the use of solar panels and green roofs resulted in a 37% reduction in energy consumption, serving as a model of sustainability for other corporate developments.

💻 How Does EDGE Certification Work?

EDGE certification is divided into three levels:

1. EDGE Certified: 20% reduction in Energy, Water, and Materials use.

2. EDGE Advanced: 40% reduction in Energy and 20% in the other areas.

3. EDGE Zero Carbon: Achieves Advanced certification and uses 100% renewable energy.

The process is facilitated by the EDGE App, which allows developers to simulate performance and return on investment, making the certification process agile and transparent.

💡 Benefits of EDGE Certification

• Operational Savings: Reduced energy and water costs, plus guaranteed return on investment.

• Positive Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions and conservation of natural resources.

• Competitiveness: Certified buildings stand out in the market, attracting consumers who value sustainable practices.

  

🏘️ Tax Incentives: Green IPTU in Brazil

In Brazil, some cities, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba, offer Green IPTU, a discount on property tax for sustainable buildings. EDGE-certified projects are eligible for these incentives, which can further reduce the operational and tax costs of developments.

🌟 EDGE Certification: The Future of Sustainable Construction

EDGE Certification is ideal for projects in emerging markets seeking financially viable sustainable solutions. With simple processes, affordable costs, and a positive impact on both the environment and the market, EDGE presents itself as an effective path for those who want to align with global sustainability practices.

Ready to transform your development with EDGE Certification? Find out how you can start using the EDGE App to plan your next sustainable project.

This edition provided an analysis of EDGE Certification and its benefits. What did you think? Leave your opinion and join the discussion!

Home, Health, and Safety

Building a Safe and Sustainable Future

🌆 Health, Safety, and Sustainability in Modern Housing

Welcome to our special edition on how health and safety connect with sustainable construction practices! In this edition, we explore how well-planned environments can promote quality of life, prevent diseases, and reduce environmental impacts. Let’s dive into these topics and discover how to build and maintain safer, healthier, and more sustainable spaces.

💼 The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Health

The air we breathe indoors has a direct influence on our health. Exposure to secondhand smoke, for example, is responsible for 1.3 million annual deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless and invisible gas released by heating systems or gas stoves, can be fatal and causes about 450 deaths per year in the US. In cases of chronic exposure, neurological damage is often irreversible.

Another silent risk is radon gas, a radioactive substance that infiltrates indoor environments from the soil. This gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, resulting in up to 21,000 deaths annually in the US alone. Besides these invisible risks, allergens such as mold and dust mites are also common issues, worsening respiratory conditions, especially asthma.

Maintaining good ventilation and controlling humidity are fundamental steps to improve indoor air quality, preventing the accumulation of pollutants and promoting a healthier environment for everyone.

🌍 Water Quality: A Public Health Challenge

The water we consume daily must undergo rigorous treatment processes, yet millions suffer from water-related diseases. In the US, an estimated 4 to 33 million cases of gastrointestinal diseases occur annually due to public supply system failures. The situation in Brazil is even more concerning: over 35 million people lack access to treated water, and 100 million do not have sewage collection.

Additionally, many families worldwide rely on private wells, which do not follow strict regulations, exposing them to chemical and biological contaminants. Adopting sustainable technologies, such as rainwater harvesting systems and efficient filtration, can be a viable solution to ensure safe water and avoid waste.

💡 Household Chemicals: Hidden Dangers

The use of chemicals is inevitable in many households, but it requires extra caution. In the United States, domestic poisonings are now the leading cause of accidental death, with a worrisome increase driven by opioid and sedative abuse. Pesticide exposure is another risk factor, affecting both neurological and respiratory health. Studies show that 74% of American homes use some type of pesticide, often without adequate control.

Adopting natural alternatives and reducing the use of toxic products are essential actions to promote a safer environment. Small changes, such as using natural repellents and eco-friendly cleaning products, can make a big difference in your family’s health.

🔨 How Home Structure Affects Safety and Mental Health

Domestic accidents are more common than we imagine. In 2022, over 31,000 people in the US lost their lives to falls, fires, and other incidents occurring at home. Exposure to toxic materials, such as lead paint and asbestos insulation in older buildings, also represents serious risks, especially for children.

Besides physical risks, poor environmental quality can impact residents' mental health. Inadequate conditions, such as insufficient lighting and overcrowding, are associated with an increase in depression and stress cases. Designing well-lit and ventilated spaces helps not only in preventing respiratory diseases but also in promoting emotional well-being.

🌿 Practical Sustainability: Principles for Building and Living Better

Adopting sustainable practices in construction is essential to ensure safe and healthy environments. Replacing toxic materials, such as lead paint and asbestos insulation, with safe alternatives is one of the first steps. Investing in energy efficiency is also part of this journey, with the installation of LED lighting systems and climate control technologies that reduce energy consumption by up to 39%.

Moreover, the efficient use of water is increasingly necessary. Smart irrigation systems and landscaping with native plants, for example, help avoid waste and ensure conscious consumption. Resilience to natural disasters should also be considered: choosing safe locations for construction and adopting structural reinforcement techniques are fundamental actions to protect lives and minimize damage.

🏠 What to Evaluate When Buying a Property

Before buying a property, it is important to check its structure and location to avoid future risks. Older homes, for example, may have lead plumbing or obsolete wiring, which can pose health and safety risks. Avoiding properties in flood zones is another essential precaution, as insurance costs in these areas are high and extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent.

It is also important to inspect the quality of renovations carried out. Inexperienced investors may perform superficial work that masks serious structural problems, such as foundation cracks. Another point of attention is properties with excessive customizations, which may be difficult to adapt and reduce resale value.

Conclusion: A Sustainable and Safe Future Begins at Home

The integration of sustainable practices with health and safety care is essential to transform our homes into true refuges. Choosing safe materials, improving energy efficiency, and adopting more conscious habits not only preserve the environment but also guarantee a better quality of life for everyone. Every decision we make today has the power to impact future generations.

Do you want to transform your home and business? Start today by adopting sustainable solutions and safe practices. Together, we can create a better future, where health, safety, and sustainability go hand in hand.