Edificio Administrativo Nestle Queretaro

By Audrey, October 22, 2015

This funky, modernistic, gold certified administrative building is the first one I’ve covered that exists outside of our country. The Edificio Administrative Nestle Queretaro is located in Queretaro, smack dab in the center of Mexico . However, it is owned and operated by none other than our American based, hot cocoa processing, water bottling, chocolate chip making, ginormous conglomerate: Nestle. The company commissioned this building to implement their Global mission of environmental and corporate social responsibility. They hope that this lovely building will promote a healthy work environment for its administrative workers and show their dedication to the environment.

At the beginning of the design process, the project team sat down together and worked out what they wanted to be the main goals of the building. They came up with four main things: building reuse, integrated water management, reduction of heat island effect, and PV panels. There was an effort to reuse the existing office building on the Queretaro campus by using the existing structure and walls. The renovated now houses open offices, a reception, and a meeting room.

Nestle is very focused on preventing toxic runoff from coming out of their factory. They made sure to implement integrated waste management that collects 100 percent of the plant’s waste water. The dirty water is then routed to a plant that collects and treats the waste.

The builders were able to reduce the heat island effect that the city has on the campus by utilizing high-reflective materials that direct the sunlight and waste heat away from the building to keep it cool. They also use natural plants to achieve the same effect.

I find it hard to believe that after showcasing the amount of LEED buildings I have this semester, I’ve yet to highlight any solar panels. This building has very prominently displayed their panels on the south facing facade where they can be seen by every passerby.

Do you think that it is good for Nestle to hold themselves to a certain environmental standard? Are you skeptical that their Global commitment is only to increase sales? Will you buy more Nestle products becuase you now know they are socially responsible?