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MODEL
OF EFFICIENCY
Although the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe
(REC) focuses its work on carrying out projects and programmes, the REC
also sees itself as active practitioner of sustainability. The REC gathers
plastic, metal and batteries for recycling, operates a compost heap, and
encourages its staff to use ecologically sound means of transport. Its
latest step in this direction – initiated by the Italian Ministry
for the Environment Land and Sea. (IMELS) – is far more ambitious:
to turn its conference centre into a model of energy efficiency with zero
harmful emissions
RUNNING START
The REC, thanks to financial support from IMELS, grants from Iceland,
Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Financial Mechanism in addition
to several leading building technology companies, is able to pursue the
ambitious goal of converting this conference centre into a zero emission
building. The implementation has started and the launch ceremony will
be held on June 26-27, 2008.
ENERGY BALANCE
The aim of the renewal project is to reduce fossil-fuel based energy consumption
to zero, and thereby eliminate all carbon-dioxide emissions. Two strategies
have been adopted: minimise energy demand and make use of local energy
resources. The most advanced techniques and technologies will be called
into use to fulfil the most demanding aesthetic, functional and comfort
requirements while relying purely on solar and geothermal energy to meet
all its needs.
HIGH EFFICIENCY ENVELOPE
The building envelope — everything that separates the interior of
a building from the outdoor environment — has been designed to not
only minimise heat loss in winter, prevent heat gains in summer and maximise
the exploitation of natural lighting, but also to produce its own electrical
and thermal energy. Advanced window design will be the cornerstone of
these goals, whereby the two functions of a window — to let light
in and to allow for visual interaction with the outside environment —
will be separated when efficiency demands it so.
LIGHTING SYSTEM
The use of natural light will be greatly enhanced through the construction
of a continuous glass ribbon situated in the upper part of the wall. The
ribbon will sit on a horizontal overhang extended towards the interior,
creating a “light shelf” that diffuses natural light throughout
the interior. 
This shelf will also provide solar protection
in the summer, with movable and fixed screens made of selective glass
to protect the windows when the sun is low. Eachlighting when the area
is empty. High efficiency lighting controlled by illumination sensors
connected to a computerised control system will provide appropriate dimming
according to the natural lighting available. When combined, these two
systems allow for a minimal use of artificial lighting.
PHOTOVOLTAICS
All the electric energy needed by the building, for heating, cooling,
lighting and appliances will be provided by two photovoltaic (PV) systems.
One will be integrated in the south facade, while the other is designed
as a canopy to rest atop the roof. The PV system will generate 22,300
kilowatt hours of energy annually. Although energy will be drawn from
the grid when the power generated proves insufficient, energy will in
fact be delivered to the grid during times of excess production.
HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING
 Two
separate systems will regulate the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning
of the building: one for the conference area, which is used sporadically,
and one for the office areas, which are in regular use. A ground source
heat pump will be the primary source of heating and cooling to take advantage
of the area’s wealth of geothermal resources. Advanced control systems
are designed to minimise energy consumption.
ARCHITECTURE
The architecture and energy systems of the building have been designed
with a modern, integrated approach, whereby the best energy conversion
technologies are displayed with an updated architectural language. An
innovative design process was adopted, in which the formal and functional
architectural requirements were tested against their impact on energy
consumption and visual comfort by means of the most advanced simulation
models. The result is a clear and functional internal and external structure.
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Demo movie:
download
(mpg file - 2:25, 97 MB)
Funding:
This project is implemented with the financial support of the Italian
Trust Fund
This project is supported by a grant from Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway
through the EEA Financial Mechanism
Design concept:
Professor Federico Butera, Milan, Italy
Design:
Architetture
Sostenibili
Kima
Studio Kft.
In-kind contribution:
Krüll-Ung
Kft.
shading devices
Oktoklima Kft.
heat pumps and
air handling units
Philips
Lightning
lighting system
Rheinzink
building envelope
Sanyo
Hungary Kft.
solar panels
Sauter
Automatika Kft.
building automation system
Construction Partners:
Épber Zrt.
SDR Közbeszerzési Iroda
Unikulcs Kft.
Szinker Kft.
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