building OPERATIONS
Our building was designed keeping in mind owners’ comfort and safety. The administration is constantly working and adapting to a fast-changing world and highly demanding environment. Our commitment to make this space fun and relaxing depends also on the support of owners and visitors as well as good communication.
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Feel free to talk to us and letting us know your ideas and concerns.
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Electricity and Gas
MEASURE: All the electric meters are located just in front of the guard house near the lobby entrance. Each condo has its own meter as well as common areas including Arco Norte building’s pool and Arco Playa’s gym.
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PROTECTING SYSTEMS
Electricity is provided by CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) and the building has an emergency electricity plant that kicks in when power is off or when optimal volts are below 10% to protect and assure equipment and appliances work.
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SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
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" During 2020 LED lighting was replaced in the parking areas and some common areas. The parking lighting is activated with motion sensors and other areas are controlLed with timers. The buidling could save more electricity if all the condos change their lightbulbs for LED as well " Gustavo Perez, Maintenance Engineer.
According to our maintenance engineer, there are many things that could be implemented to lower energy consumption like:
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Installing solar panels to lower electricity consumption in common area
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Replacing the current pool filtration and heating equipment with a more efficient system
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When it is time to replace air conditioners, select equipment with adequate SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
Water and Gas
MEASURE: Water meters are located by the building stairs and measure the usage of potable water in the building, separately. There are meters for common areas and each condo has its own.
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HEALTH
Arco Norte has a water filtration system with four steps: The first step is done through a depth filtration that removes all the solids from raw water, once these solids are captured, water flows through activated carbon filters and later through ionic exchange to soften it. Finally, the process is completed by running water through UV light. This process assures all the water in the building is safe to drink. Filters are checked monthly and UV lamps are replaced every year.
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SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
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Potable water is also used for landscaping irrigation, ninety percent of this irrigation is automated, and ten percent is done manually.
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“Our building could save more water if all the condos have efficient water fixtures and expanding the current sewer system to areas at the building entrance and close to the pool“ Gustavo Perez, Maintenance Engineer.
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Propane Gas is used for the building
Voice, Internet and Entertainment systems
Condos have ducts to connect cable, phone line and internet throughout the units. Currently, Red Link is providing wireless connectivity with a 20Mbps, each condo has its own network and password.
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Alhough each condo has its own network and password--some of the common areas WiFi passwords are listed below and may change from time to time:
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Arco Playa Gym - PW: Sierradelmar
Arco Norte Terrace and Pool - PW: Sierradelmar
Club the Playa Gym: PW 12345678
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Enjoy watching SKY at the Gym at the beach club and the one at Arco Playa has streaming TV.
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INTERPHONE: To call any condo from the interphone All the South side end with "A" and North with "B". 1A is 1S, 2N is 2B
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If the glass door to enter the elevator from the parking lot or to enter the lobby at the 1st floor owners can dial the security 4 number code #### and Key button. Ask security, or the adminitration for this numbers.
Pool
HEALTH:
Our pool is clear and clean because staff cleans it every day and checks chlorine and PH levels. In-house staff provides maintenance to the system every four months.
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The water temperature is set following recommendations from the United States Water Fitness Association and even when hot tubs could be set at 104 F the administration decided to keep it lower since children are free to use it and it could be unhealthy for them. The temperature set is 86 F (30 C) in the pool and 98 F (37 C) in the hot tub.
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SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
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The water filtration and heating system are programmed to run 18 hours a day. In- house staff is monitoring the temperature manually because the system is not intelligent.
Sustainability
Waste
Sierra del Mar administration believes that waste originated by building operation and usage should be taken very seriously and handled responsibly. There is still much work to be done and education to be provided to both users and staff, for sure this is “work in progress”.
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In the meantime, black water from the treatment plant is tested by the municipality and we received certificates of compliance with federal laws.
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On the other hand, the administration encourages owners and users to separate waste in two categories, organic and inorganic. Even when the municipality of Puerto Vallarta picks up all the waste (garbage) together, the city staff separates waste categories back in their facilities to be able to send recycling materials to plants.
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WE NEED YOUR COMMITMENT:
The administration requests that waste be separated into either organic and recyclable products. However, recycling products should be separated in two, plastic and cans and the other with wood, cardboard, and glass. The reason for this separation is because these materials (wood, glass, and cardboard) could cause injuries to the staff or block the duct when thrown thru the chute.
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Nevertheless, owners and users should only throw bags with organic garbage and safe recycling materials in the chute and bags with wood, glass and cardboard placed in the hallway next to the chute for staff to pick up.
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“Please, owners, visitors and staff collaborate to make this task easier and safe. We assure you will feel “A hero” for being responsible with the environment”. The Administration
