Torre Cinética
Comprehensive EDGE and LEED certification advisory for an office tower project that aims to stand out for its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
The client's requirements
The client initially contacted Innotica to define the scope of the monitoring and control system for the various equipment and systems comprising the project. To this end, the design service for the building's comprehensive monitoring and control system (BMS) was provided, additionally including the CCTV, Access Control, and voice and data systems for the tower. Following the development of this service and nearing the project's completion, Innotica proposed the opportunity to apply for the EDGE certification to avoid losing the developer's/builder's sustainability initiatives and efforts, given that they had already achieved a dual LEED BD+C pre-certification with another provider.
Involvement in Each Stage
Our involvement throughout the project has not been limited to a single stage. It all began with the design of the tower's technological systems, based on the builder's requirement to design the building's comprehensive monitoring and control system, namely, the BMS (Building Management System). To this scope, the video surveillance (CCTV), access control, and data network systems were added. Upon completion of this service, the contractor executed the conduit installations and defined the scope of each system.
Subsequently, during the final phase of construction, Innotica proposed to the owners to conduct a sustainability diagnostic. The objective was to evaluate the project's opportunities to obtain the LEED v2009 BD+C, LEED v4 BD+C, LEED v4.1 O+M, and/or EDGE for Post-Construction certifications. Ultimately, the client decided to pursue the EDGE and LEED v4.1 O+M certifications for the operations and maintenance stage, which is the phase we are currently working in.
The construction process
The construction process was carried out under the developer's/builder's commitment to meet the demanding standards required for a project of this magnitude, aiming to achieve the highest levels of quality across the design, construction, and operation stages. However, during this process, the country was going through complex years; multiple national protests and constant work stoppages affected construction. Migration impacted the country at all levels, to the point that even the professionals in charge of the certification process had to leave the country. This was one of the main reasons why the LEED v2009 BD+C: Core & Shell certification process was not executed with the rigor required to achieve that goal.
Considering this reality, Innotica was given the opportunity to recover the dual certification process, pursuing the EDGE Certification for the design and construction phase, and LEED v4.1 O+M for the Operations and Maintenance stage. Despite the difficulties, the project was completed with the requisite quality to apply for any sustainability certification, which is why the tower is recognized today as the First EDGE Certified Tower in Venezuela.
A project that sets a quality standard
"orre Cinética stands as the new benchmark for construction, technological, and operational excellence in Venezuela. From its conception, the project integrated cutting-edge technology and rigorous sustainability criteria to ensure high-level performance. By overcoming the environment's multiple challenges and becoming the first building in the country to achieve EDGE certification, in addition to consolidating its operations under LEED v4.1 O+M standards, this tower demonstrates that a commitment to excellence transcends adversity. Today, thanks to its resilient infrastructure and the implementation of comprehensive intelligent control and monitoring systems, Torre Cinética is not merely an efficient building, but tangible proof that it is possible to develop world-class projects that redefine the future of the national real estate sector.
Project Achievements
Throughout its development, Torre Cinética has consolidated itself as a pioneer in sustainability by becoming the first building in Venezuela to obtain EDGE certification. This milestone is backed by tangible high-efficiency results, achieving a projected savings of 22% in energy consumption, 21% in water, and a notable 34% reduction in the embodied energy in materials. These metrics have been achieved through the implementation of advanced technical solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems, demand-controlled ventilation, and efficient lighting. Furthermore, the project's environmental commitment remains active today, advancing in the LEED v4.1 O+M certification phase to ensure that these low-impact and high-efficiency practices govern the entire operations and maintenance stage.
In parallel with its environmental successes, the tower stands out for its cutting-edge technological deployment, achieving the successful implementation of state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems for critical services such as energy, air conditioning, forced ventilation, and lighting. Although these subsystems have been operating in isolation, the major current achievement is their transition towards a centralized platform through a robust Building Management System (BMS). This comprehensive integration will make it possible to leverage the synergy of all installed technologies, transforming isolated data into automated strategies that will maximize the tower's operational efficiency in real-time.
