ABSTRACT: Brazilian’s architecture offices are initiating their search for methods that could give some orientation about the design process for sustainable buildings. The North The French methodology has been adapted, resulting in the AQUA Brazilian certification. However, history has revealed many professionals who expressed their concern about the environment through interesting architecture solutions, years before the launch of the first environmental rating system. In this sense, the Environmental Protection Center of the Hydroelectric Plant Balbina should be stressed. Authored by Severiano Mario Porto architect, the Center integrates nature, environmental comfort and beauty. Recognizing the importance of this award-winning project and also considering the interest in discussing about the efficiency of environmental rating system methods for the production of green buildings, the aim of this research was to test the rating systems adopted in Brazil through the evaluation of characteristics presented on this building. Results indicate that even in a state of neglect and already degraded parts, the building presents the potential to meet satisfactorily most part of environmental performance requirements proposed by the rating systems studied. The lesson left by the architect highlights the importance of using the techniques of design and implementation, which, harmonized through the project, will lead naturally to solutions with high environmental performance. So, it is necessary to rethink the exaggerated importance that has been given to environmental rating systems.
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