Eafit – Argos Center

Proving that even high-demand laboratories can become benchmarks of sustainable performance.

Located in Medellín and developed by Cementos Argos S.A., this project represents a milestone both nationally and across Latin America, becoming the first laboratory in the region to achieve LEED Gold New Construction v3 certification, with a total of 64 points. Its development posed a significant technical challenge, as laboratory buildings are among the most energy-intensive due to the complexity of their equipment and processes. In this context, Green Loop provided specialized LEED advisory and energy modeling services to optimize the design and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

From a technical standpoint, the project integrated strategies aimed at improving the building’s energy and environmental performance without compromising functionality. Through energy modeling and efficient design, the project achieved an 18.8% reduction in energy consumption, along with an 80.08% reduction in potable water use through rainwater harvesting systems and high-efficiency fixtures. These measures enabled a balance between the operational demands of a laboratory and high-level sustainability performance.

In addition, the project incorporates green areas with native vegetation both indoors and outdoors, enhancing user comfort, supporting biodiversity, and improving stormwater management. These strategies also help reduce the urban heat island effect and improve thermal stability, positively impacting overall energy performance. The Argos Center for Innovation demonstrates that even highly demanding building typologies can meet global sustainability standards and become benchmarks for responsible scientific infrastructure.