Bogotá, November 2024.
The Plaza Central shopping center, a Pei asset — the leading sustainable real estate investment vehicle in Colombia — received LEED Platinum certification in Operations and Maintenance, the highest recognition awarded by the US Green Building Council for building operations. This achievement makes Plaza Central the first shopping center in Colombia to obtain this certification at the highest level, reinforcing Pei’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the real estate sector.
LEED O+M certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is globally recognized for promoting sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and occupant well-being. To achieve this recognition, the Plaza Central shopping center implemented advanced technologies such as LED lighting systems, close to 1,000 solar panels, composting programs, and 250 bicycle parking spaces, achieving 60% energy savings and a 78% reduction in water consumption compared to national standards.
In Colombia, only 4% of LEED certifications fall under the Operations and Maintenance category. Plaza Central scored 88 points, the highest rating in this certification category, further highlighting the significance of this achievement for the real estate sector and for Pei.
“This certification reflects Pei Asset Management’s commitment to sustainability in its role as real estate manager of Pei’s portfolio. It sets a new standard for shopping centers in the country and positions Plaza Central as a benchmark in sustainability. In addition, the shopping center receives close to 17 million visitors per year, benefiting both occupants and visitors,” said Iván Darío Parra, Asset Management Director at Pei Asset Management.
Pei Asset Management will continue promoting good practices across Pei’s portfolio of assets, driving practices that go further and generate a positive impact for property tenants and the communities where they operate.
About Pei (PEI CB Equity)
Pei is a real estate investment alternative structured and managed by Pei Asset Management for 17 years, a pioneer in Colombia’s capital markets with more than 6,200 investors. It has built a portfolio of high-specification, income-generating assets totaling more than 1.13 million m2 of leasable area, with a diversified base of more than 1,400 tenants and a presence in more than 30 cities and municipalities across the country. The portfolio is valued at more than 9.7 trillion pesos and comprises four asset categories: corporate, commercial, logistics, and specialized use.
To certify an asset under LEED® Operations and Maintenance, sustainable design and construction strategies must be incorporated from the building’s earliest stages, aiming to improve its operational performance and reduce its environmental impact. This certification system focuses on optimizing resource efficiency during the asset’s use phase, ensuring that sustainable practices are maintained over time.