When we think pollution, our minds jump to the most shocking, visual examples: smoke stack dotted horizons, cute sea mammals drenched with oil, and outdated, sputtering automobiles. However, one of the leading polluters putting a strain on our scarce resources is actually none of these things, rather something one might least expect—the seemingly benign building. According to U.S. surveys, buildings contaminate more in that country than industry and transportation. They are responsible for consuming 40% of primary energy use, 72% of electricity 13% of drinkable water and producing 39% of our CO2 emissions. After hearing these statistics, the need for an organization like LEED becomes glaringly obvious.The U.S. Green Building Council established LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in 2000. It aims to provide a flexible framework for constructing greener residential and commercial buildings internationally. The certification functions using a point system that ranges up to 110. Structures are allotted points along a set of environmentally sound criteria; use of sustainable/local materials, water efficiency, energy efficiency, minimization of impact surrounding natural environment, and effective
waste management systems. The best part about LEED is that it actually makes business sense, seeing as after the structure fulfills the program's goals, it is both a cheaper space to manage and to live in.What, you may be wondering, does this have to do with wine country? The answer we find within TierraMas, a sustainable development company based in Mendoza with the province's first and only LEED certificated staff. Co-owner Alayna Fraser who holds this certification is one of only fifteen LEED professionals in the country. Fraser is from the U.S. originally, while her business partner and husband Rodrigo Gimenez, is native to Mendoza. Fraser specializes in architecture and sustainable development while Gimenez focuses on real estate development.
The pair make a bilingual and bicultural team equipped for working with international clients while maintaining close relations with locals when paper work, permits, and contractors come into play. While Mendoza is quite literally a desert with real environmental constraints including limited water resources, it is constantly expanding with new construction sites popping up weekly. Because of this delicate balance between development and environmental restriction, it's about time then that a conscientious and innovative team like TierraMas is here to save the day, or rather the planet!
Contact Alayna or Rodrigo through TierraMas on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (261) 419 2632.
Written by Gwynne Hogan
