DESIGN OF A BUILDING WITH POSITIVE ENERGY BALANCE
The Mariolopoulos-Kanaginis Foundation for the Environmental Sciences is the first building with positive energy in Greece. The term “positive energy” is used for a building that produces more energy in its public areas than it consumes by applying Renewable Energy Techniques. It will be a five-store, 1400sqm, building with offices on the ground floor and residences on the upper floors. The building can be CO2- neutral and simultaneously produce more energy than it uses.
The whole idea is based on the following three principles:
- By insulating the building and installing passive and hybrid equipment we attempt to succeed the most energy saving.
- The use of active energy production system based on renewable energy sources.
- The use of conventional energetic production system with high quality factor (coefficient of performance)
Air heating and air cooling demands were minimized by:
- reducing the heat loss of the building
- reducing and controlling solar energy benefits
- reducing ventilation loss
- using sun light
- reducing internal benefits
- using air – ground alternator system – use of natural nocturnal cooling and heating ventilation techniques
Furthermore, conventional heating and cooling systems of high energy quality and low CO2 emissions were chosen. Photovoltaic systems were installed so that the building can be energetically positive and CO2-neutral.