Energy Efficiency Strategies For Future Educational Buildings: A Case Study in Madrid
Abstract BackgroundThis paper presents a new-built school that works disconnected from the grid and uses energy from renewable sources. The design is based on a necessary condition from the developer to achieve extremely low energy demands for heating and cooling and total primary energy according to the Passivhaus Plus standard: Furthermore, the total energy consumed can be generated on-site from renewable sources. Through energy efficiency management systems, a very low rate of CO2 emissions are achieved. ResultsIn addition to meeting the requirements established by the Passivhaus accreditation, the strategies achieve high levels of internal “well-being” for students and staff members, as recognised in other environmental certifications. This is possible through a holistic and bioclimatic design principle integrated in architectural design. ConclusionsThe installation’s design solves the main challenge in educational use: to respond to the high variations of occupancy in the classrooms and to guarantee a stable temperature and optimum air quality, but, in addition, minimum energy consumption is achieved, and prioritising passive energy sources (GSHX) overactive sources (heat pumps) employing integrated monitoring systems.The educational component in design is fundamental; the building is conceived as an extra learning tool for the pupils involved in the energy process in the building. This promotes awareness and sensitivity to the environmental challenges ahead.This is the first Spanish building (Figure 1) awarded by the Passive House Institute (2021).