Integrated approach to a multifunctional complex

Abstract

PurposeThe achievement of sustainable architectures, including control of energy relations between climate and built environment, in order to optimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact, requires an integrated planning dealing with a multi‐scale and integral view of building‐plant system. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design of a multifunctional complex, namely “Solaria”.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed integrated approach focuses on comfort and healthy living, sustainability of building process, containment of energy consumption and use of renewable energy sources. The building object of this research has been designed including: a high‐efficiency tri‐generation plant (525kW of electric power) coupled with a distribution network for district heating/cooling; a photovoltaic generation system with 20kW of peak power and solar thermal panels for sanitary hot water production (able to supply over 50 per cent of needs); and passive solar systems (solar greenhouses and “heat cushions”) equipped with sliding brise‐soleils.FindingsThe proposed integrated design approach has enabled the achievement of important results, such as the avoidance of CO2 emissions, equal to nearly 500 tons per year. Moreover, energetic and environmental‐achievements have been certified by using various methodologies. Finally, environmental and costs analyses have been carried out in order to compare the proposed approach with traditional ones.Originality/valueThe case study proposed in this research represents a repeatable and practical application of European Directives on the energy performance of buildings (2002/91/EC) and energy end‐use efficiency and energy services (2006/32/EC). As a consequence, this research adds to the current body of knowledge.