Green Innovation: The Remarkable Impulso Verde Building

The "Impulso Verde" Building, built mostly using local wood, will be the emblem of the future Multi-Ecological Neighborhood in the city of Lugo. This building represents a significant advancement in the fight against CO2 emissions, emitting 90% less than traditional concrete and steel buildings, while also absorbing 280 tons of emissions.

At Garnica, we took part in this project with our Fireshield Building panels, which form the building’s roof. Our Fireshield fire-rated plywood features an innovative treatment that provides it with exceptional fire resistance, even after sanding or machining. Thanks to its Euroclass B-s1-d0 and ASTM E-84 Class A certifications, the highest for wood, these panels significantly reduce the rate of charring, smoke generation and flame spread, ensuring fire protection and safety. Additionally, they are made entirely from high-quality, sustainably-managed local wood.

The building was co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Lugo+Biodinámico program, as well as by the Lugo Provincial Council. It was made possible by an enthusiastic team of professors and researchers from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), led by the coordinating architect, Dr. Antonio José Lara Bocanegra.

Impulso Verde is the first building in Spain to attain FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) Full Certification, guaranteeing that all the wood used in the project comes from forestry operations managed with strict environmental and social sustainability standards.

The Multi-Ecological Neighborhood, which will host the "Impulso Verde" Building, is presented as an urban village with an emphasis on social cohesion, respect for the environment and energy savings. The use of Spanish wood in this project is a clear example of how sustainable construction and harmony with nature can converge to create a more resilient and ecological future.

This innovative project marks a significant step forward in the field of sustainable construction and responsible use of natural resources. We, as a company, are proud to have contributed to a project that will change the construction outlook in the city of Lugo and lay the foundation for architecture that is more ecological and committed to the environment.

Photography: © Héctor Santos-Díez