December 2017
San Stefano Plaza Complex was awarded BREEAM 2013 certificates (a global standard for sustainable buildings) at a special ceremony in Sofia. The British certification body has given ‘Excellent’ ratings for the three sections of the complex - residential, commercial and office. The residential section of San Stefano Plaza is the first one to receive such certificates in Bulgaria.
‘The construction of the complex according to BREEAM is an achievement contributing to our common goal of creating better buildings for the society and the environment. San Stefano Plaza is a positive example of a sustainable building in the Bulgarian construction sector,’ said Mr. Martin Townsend, Sustainability Director of BREEAM at the official ceremony of awarding the certificates to Mr. Nikolay Karayanev, Executive Director of San Stefano Property Development. He expressed his gratitude to Architect Andreya Momerin’s team for their longstanding efforts to change the construction market in a positive way, and warmly thanked everyone who took part in the construction of this remarkable building. The assessment process continued for nearly four years with the active assistance of Geostroy AD - the main contractor of the project.
San Stefano Plaza’s elegant architecture has laid particular emphasis on keeping the spirit of Proshekovo Pivo Beerhouse. It is an attractive small building replicating the façade of the famous brewery in the early 20th century style, located at the corner of San Stefano and Sheinovo Streets. Undertaking measures for preserving cultural and historical heritage is an essential component of the requirements set out in BREEAM assessment methodology.
The multifunctional complex is notable for its high level of energy efficiency, healthy living environment, increased environmental value of the landscape and surrounding terrain, optimized waste management, and eco-friendly building materials. ‘We have integrated a computer-based Building Management System for wireless monitoring and control over all building systems: lighting, HVAC, exterior sun protection, security and CCTV systems,’ said Mr. Nikolay Karayanev. The consumption of energy and natural resources is optimized through renewable energy systems, waste heat recovery from refrigerators for heating water, rainwater harvesting and utilization, etc. Among the innovative systems in the complex is the electric vehicle charging station in the underground car park. It is powered by a roof-mounted photovoltaic system. These are some of the measures required by BREEAM for a green building, thus reducing CO2 emissions. A rainwater tank for watering the plants within San Stefano Plaza complex was also built and put into operation. The organization of customer flow and motor vehicle traffic is significantly improved and bicycle parking spaces are provided.
According to Mr. Lyubomir Kovachev - Deputy Mayor of Sredets District, the building fits perfectly into Sofia Municipality’s strategy to become a green city.
San Stefano Plaza from the inside - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaJDRCqKMSM
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