CIAT

This project goes beyond protecting seeds, it safeguards the future of global food security through sustainable architecture.

The CIAT Genebank – Seeds of the Future, located at the Palmira campus in Colombia, is a global benchmark for innovation in agricultural biodiversity conservation and the intelligent use of natural resources. This project became the first germplasm bank in the world to achieve LEED BD+C v4 Platinum certification, marking a milestone in the integration of science, sustainability, and high-performance design.

Green Loop led the LEED consulting, energy modeling, and advanced commissioning process, providing comprehensive support to the design and construction teams to ensure compliance with strict LEED requirements, local regulations, and client objectives. The goal was clear: achieve LEED Platinum certification and position the project as a global reference for sustainability applied to scientific research infrastructure.

The building integrates high-performance environmental strategies, including a “skin-like” façade for solar radiation control, solar energy harvesting systems, mechanical and natural ventilation, and advanced water management solutions. As a result, the project achieved net zero water performance, through the implementation of over 14,600 m² of green areas, SUDS systems, a 130 m³ stormwater tank, a rainwater treatment plant, and a wastewater treatment plant, ensuring even cleaner water is returned to the public system.

The project’s performance delivers exceptional results: 54.32% energy savings, 100% water savings and reuse, 38% reduction in HVAC demand, 212.17 tons of CO₂ equivalent reduction, and financial savings exceeding $878 million. In addition, multiple energy models and a specialized acoustic design were developed to further enhance its technical performance.

Beyond its environmental achievements, Seeds of the Future is a global innovation hub in genomics, digital phenotyping, and data science applied to agriculture. Its mission is to preserve and expand global crop diversity, enabling open access to genetic data for researchers and farmers worldwide, while strengthening resilience against climate change.