FROM AN ABANDONED CASTLE TO A SMART ENERGY CENTRE
Published on 27 April 2018
Croatia
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Collaboration between Krapina-Zagorje County and REGEA led to the project of restoring a ruined heritage building and its repurposing to a smart building “Bracak Energy Centre”, a multi-purpose education and demonstration centre. Technical features of a the building include: highly efficient biomass boiler using wood pellets (ETA up to 94,9%); Micro CHP for hot water and power production during summer period; Air to water heat pump system for cooling and heating in transitional periods; External wall insulation on the inside and energy efficient windows and doors (U<1,4 W/m2K); Highly efficient internal and external lighting systems (LED and FLUO T5); HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning); Advanced central monitoring and control system (heating, cooling, energy consumption); Rainwater harvesting system for irrigation of green areas and as wastewater treatment; Electric vehicle charging station and purchase of one electric vehicle; Comprehensive interior conservation works (decoration and replication); Energy efficient appliances for offices and in-house restaurant.
The value of the building is increased by 150% (approximately).
The value of the building is increased by 150% (approximately).
Resources needed
The price of the investment for reconstruction of the building was: 1.160,00 €/m2 without VAT, or in the total amount 1.850.000,00 € without VAT. The average workforce needed for the duration of the site preparation and construction activities consisted of approximately of 30 workers.
Evidence of success
The reconstruction of the building resulted in an upgrade from energy performance certificate (EPC) rating E to rating B with the share of 88% of renewable energy sources. Energy rehabilitation reduced energy consumption for heating by up to 70%, or from the initial 213,0 kWh/m2 to 64,0 kWh/m2. It is expected that at least 40 new jobs will be generated while the reconstruction process itself has boosted the domestic construction sector and improved the skills of workers and professionals.
Potential for learning or transfer
• HOLISTIC APPROACH AND SUSTAINABILITY: not to restore the building to the previous state but to improve it and give it added value (energy savings, renewable energy sources, …);
• Through CO-OPERATION WITH CONSERVATOR it is possible to refurbish the cultural heritage building and to integrate renewable energy sources in it;
• The BUILDING RE-PURPOSING AND ADAPTATION TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY is a guarantee of sustainability;
• PROJECT PREPARATION is a key of successful project.
• Through CO-OPERATION WITH CONSERVATOR it is possible to refurbish the cultural heritage building and to integrate renewable energy sources in it;
• The BUILDING RE-PURPOSING AND ADAPTATION TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY is a guarantee of sustainability;
• PROJECT PREPARATION is a key of successful project.