By San José, Costa Rica — Edificio 300 Avenida Escazú has achieved a significant milestone in Costa Rican construction, becoming the first project in the country to complete a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) during its construction phase. This groundbreaking study, utilizing the methodology defined by the International EPD System’s Product Category Rule for Buildings, marks a critical step towards more sustainable building practices.
Unlike typical LCAs, which often rely on projected material usage based on Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Avenida Escazú analysis meticulously tracked actual material quantities, water and energy consumption (including fuels and electricity), and waste generation throughout the construction process. This rigorous data collection, spanning 20 months from August 2022 to April 2024, provides a more accurate and insightful picture of the project’s environmental impact.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding sustainable construction in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the evolving regulatory framework and its implications for developers and the construction industry.
The increasing focus on sustainable construction in Costa Rica presents both opportunities and challenges from a legal perspective. While existing regulations, such as the Construction Law and the Environmental Law, provide a framework, there’s a growing need for more specific legislation addressing green building certifications, incentives for sustainable practices, and the management of construction waste. This will not only encourage environmentally responsible development but also provide greater legal certainty for investors and developers engaging in sustainable projects.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of legal frameworks and sustainable building practices. A clearer, more robust legal landscape will undoubtedly pave the way for greater investment and innovation in Costa Rica’s green construction sector, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this important topic.
The study, spearheaded by Portafolio Inmobiliario, the developer and operator of Avenida Escazú, in partnership with Volio & Trejos and the Life Cycle and Circular Economy Laboratory (LACIVEC) of the Technological Institute of Costa Rica, focused on the global warming impact category. It considered the entire lifecycle, from material extraction, production, and transportation to the construction process itself and the resulting waste. Furthermore, the analysis projected 50 years of operational impact, including water and energy usage and waste disposal.
The findings revealed that embodied carbon in materials, primarily steel and concrete, constitutes nearly 75% of the total emissions. This highlights the significant environmental footprint of these materials and underscores the need for more sustainable alternatives and construction practices.
This pioneering LCA provides valuable insights into the real-world impacts of construction and emphasizes the importance of tools like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and the development of Product Category Rules (PCRs) specifically for buildings in Costa Rica. The study demonstrates the power of data-driven decision-making in promoting sustainable development within the construction sector.
The team that worked on this research identifies as one of the main learnings the importance of building a robust and articulated baseline as an industry, in order to be able to compare processes, improve them and minimize negative impacts.
José Baltodano, Director of Construction, Portafolio Inmobiliario
Building upon the success of this study, Portafolio Inmobiliario plans to collaborate with INTECO, the national standardization body, to develop and publish a PCR for buildings in Costa Rica. This initiative will strengthen national programs such as the National Environmental and Energy Labeling Program, the National Carbon Neutrality Program, the Decarbonization Plan, and Costa Rica’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. It will also highlight the importance of sector participation and capacity building in life cycle analysis and product carbon footprinting.
This groundbreaking work by Edificio 300 Avenida Escazú sets a precedent for future construction projects in Costa Rica, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible building industry.
For further information, visit [portafolioinmobiliario.com]
About Portafolio Inmobiliario:
Portafolio Inmobiliario is the developer and operator of Avenida Escazú. They are committed to sustainable development and driving innovation in the Costa Rican construction sector. Their leadership in undertaking the first Life Cycle Assessment for a building project in the country demonstrates their dedication to environmental responsibility and sets a new standard for the industry.
For further information, visit [tec.ac.cr]
About Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC):
The Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) is a public university known for its focus on science, technology, and engineering. Their Life Cycle and Circular Economy Laboratory (LACIVEC) played a key role in the Avenida Escazú LCA, showcasing the university’s commitment to research and innovation in sustainability.
For further information, visit [volio.com]
About Volio & Trejos:
Volio & Trejos was a collaborator in this project, bringing their expertise to support the comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment. Their involvement highlights the importance of collaboration across different sectors to achieve greater sustainability in construction.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with its dedication to disseminating accessible legal knowledge through educational initiatives, distinguishes it as a leader in the field. By championing transparency and understanding within the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry, contributing to a just and equitable society for all.
