About The Challenge
With over 40 years of operation, the Palácio Austregésilo de Athayde is an asset of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, housing large companies, a library, a theater, and approximately 2,000 users daily. The building’s structural complexity, combined with the heterogeneous profile of its occupants and continuous operation, posed significant challenges for compliance with the rigorous criteria of the LEED for Operations & Maintenance certification.
Explen’s Role
Explen led the process as the asset manager, taking on the technical, strategic, and operational leadership of all certification stages. Our involvement included:
- LEED feasibility assessment, with technical survey and analysis of risks and opportunities;
- Advisory in formulating operational policies and updating procedures for procurement, maintenance, cleaning, and renovations;
- Technical coordination of projects and structural improvements, such as a complete retrofit of the air conditioning system, elevator modernization, LED lighting, and transition to the free energy market with 100% renewable sources;
- Management of communication with stakeholders, integration between suppliers, specialized consultants, Engepred team, and ABL administration;
- Production and validation of all performance reports required by the certification, with audit monitoring.
Achieved Results
- 15% reduction in energy consumption with the new air conditioning system
- Estimated savings of R$ 1 million/year with renewable energy procurement
- Lighting modernization, cutting monthly costs by 30%
- Elevators with regenerative system, saving 79 kWh/day
- Increased property value, attracting companies with ESG policies
- Benchmark in sustainability in downtown Rio, influencing other assets in the portfolio
- Strengthened institutional reputation of ABL and enhanced strategic role of building management
National and International Recognition
This project was awarded 1st place in the 2023 ABRAFAC Best of the Year Award in the “Asset Management and Sustainability” category and was also nominated for the 2024 Global FM Awards of Excellence, reinforcing Explen’s leadership in facilities management and high-standard real estate management.
Impact and Legacy
More than a certification, this project marked a turning point in the building’s management: sustainable practices were integrated into daily operations, directly impacting institutional image, asset competitiveness, and occupant experience.
Explen’s work has shown that strategic real estate consulting goes beyond operations: it’s an ally in repositioning assets, generating value for investors, and building a new culture of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
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