Bogota, November 2024.
The Plaza Central shopping center, developed by Pei, real estate investment vehicle, a leading sustainable property in Colombia, has received the LEED Platinum certification for Operation and Maintenance, the highest award given by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for building operations. This achievement makes Plaza Central the first shopping center in Colombia to achieve this certification at the highest level, further reinforcing Pei’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the real estate sector.
The LEED O+M (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification 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, approximately 1,000 solar panels, composting programs, and 250 bicycle parking spaces, resulting in a 60% reduction in energy consumption 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 achieved 88 points, the highest score 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 property manager for the Pei portfolio. It sets a new standard for shopping centers in the country and positions Plaza Central as a leader in sustainability. Furthermore, the shopping center receives approximately 17 million visitors per year, benefiting both tenants and visitors,” said Iván Darío Parra, Manager of Asset Management at Pei Asset Management.
Pei Asset Management will continue to promote best practices with the Pei portfolio assets, driving practices that extend beyond and generate positive impact for tenants of the properties and the communities in which they operate.
About Pei (PEI CB Equity)
Pei is an investment real estate alternative structured and managed by Pei Asset Management since 17 years, a pioneer in the Colombian capital markets with more than 6,200 investors. It has consolidated a portfolio of income-generating assets with high specifications, covering more than 1.13 million square meters of leasable area, with a diversified base of more than 1,400 tenants and presence in more than 30 cities and municipalities throughout the country. The portfolio is valued at over 9.7 trillion pesos and includes four asset categories: corporate, commercial, logistics, and specialized use.
To certify a LEED® property in Operations and Maintenance, sustainable design and construction strategies must be incorporated from the early stages of the building’s development, with the goal of improving its operational performance and reducing 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.