We build sustainability: Mexico

ACCIONA has just finished the construction of a unique, big new campus building at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, replacing the former low-lit provisional accommodation with a 44,000 m2 edifice fit to house some 7,000 students.

The Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) was created in 1974 and, one of the main universities in the country, is located in Mexico City. The Cuajimalpa Unit of the University is known for its commitment to sustainability principles, which makes it the perfect partner for ACCIONA considering our business model. All students in the unit, whatever their main degree, take a complementary subject in sustainability. University Chancellor, Eduardo Abel Peñalosa, explained: “Care for the environment and sustainability are at the heart of studying in our University.”

Mexico is a key country in ACCIONA’s growth strategy, with the Company winning important infrastructure, water, services and energy projects there

Sustainable building

Taking this factor as the reference point, ACCIONA equipped the installations with natural lighting and ventilation, installed a small water treatment plant and solar heaters for water in the kitchens. And, of course, the Company has made use of its long experience as a leader in renewable energies to equip the center with clean energies through the installation of solar panels and photovoltaic lighting.

Project architect, Sergio Germán, goes on to explain other measures: “We have planted gardens on the terrace roof of the building; this is one of the main factors that allows us to regulate the climate in a natural way and reduce the use of air conditioning and heating. All the measures were checked by the Ministry of the Environment.”

The new building has eight floors, and expansive patios and glass bridges inside to favor natural lighting and ventilation with the energy and environmental benefits they bring. To achieve the design, 3,300 tonnes of metal profiles were used, which are also located strategically to counteract possible seismic effects. And there is another important aspect: the university has decided that students of different disciplines should be able to mix as much as possible and to that effect has grouped all study areas into the one building to improve socializing among them.

“The agora (assembly space) is my favorite area. It is a meeting point for friends on other courses, whom we could hardly get to know until now,” enthused one UAM student. This is a project that extends ACCIONA’s participation in educational programs. It is one of which the Company’s Mexico director, Guillermo Jiménez Michavila, is particularly proud. “The building work was carried out according to very high quality standards, both in terms of the constructive systems used, and the materials and concepts associated with sustainability. All this will allow the students to enjoy the new facilities to the full,” he said.

Reforesting Lerma

Parallel to the building of the Cuajimalpa Unit, ACCIONA completed the full reforestation of a neighboring area, not only caring for and respecting the local flora and fauna, but also improving its vegetation in a landscaping project. It planted 40 pines that fit the typology of the land and climate in this area of Mexico State.

ACCIONA always seeks to mitigate the impact of its infrastructure works in the areas where the projects are carried out. This is another example.

San Luis Potosí

“Education is one of the areas that is really going to take off in the next few years in Mexico,” Jiménez Michavila added. “With this new project, ACCIONA is well positioned in this sector.”

While on the subject of building educational centers, ACCIONA has also completed the new campus at San Luis Potosí Polytechnic University, which it now also manages. The campus of 18 buildings has a capacity of 5,000 students and represents the first university center to be managed under concession in Latin America.

Since 1978, ACCIONA has contributed to Mexico’s sustainable development through infrastructure, renewable energy and water treatment projects

Socially responsible

ACCIONA Mexico received recognition as a Socially Responsible Company (ESR) for the fourth time from CEMEFI (the Mexican Philanthropy Center, A.C.). The ESR® 2014 Distinction adds value to our business and accredits us as a publicly committed organization voluntarily adopting socially responsible management as part of its culture and business strategy.

SOME PROJECTS OF ACCIONA IN MEXICO

PARQUE REFORMA BUILDING

Located in Mexico City, a 24-story luxury corporate office block built in 1985.

CAMPECHE CONVENTION CENTER

400 m2 theater and exhibition hall built between 2008 and 2009.

SUPPLY OF WIND TURBINES AND COMMISSIONING OF TWO NEW WIND FARMS IN MEXICO

ACCIONA Energy was in 2014 awarded the engineering and construction contracts for the Ventika 1 and 2 wind farms, which total 252 MW, as well as the operation and maintenance of the plants during 20 years.

SALINA CRUZ PORT (OAXACA)

Widening of the entrance. Constructed between 2011 and 2012.

IRON P ALACE

Situated in Polanco and built between 1996 and 1997.

METEPEC REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL

236-bed sustainable building constructed between 2009 and 2011.

VERACRUZ SHIPYARD

Dry dock and wharf for fleet enlistment. Built in 1982.

BAJA CALIFORNIA 5 THERMAL POWER STATION

Design, supply, construction and commissioning for the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). The plant, located in La Paz, will have a net capacity of 46.8 MW.

FIRST GENERAL HOSPITAL OF THE MEXICAN SOCIAL SECURITY INSTITUTE (IMSS) IN NOGALES, SONORA

It will have 144 beds in a sustainable building.