VALLADOLID UNIVERSITY
PHOTOVOLTAIC SKYLIGHT
The LUCIA building (Spanish acronym of University Base for Applied Research Centres) at the University of Valladolid, has become the most sustainable building in Europe and all the northern hemisphere, due to aspects such as energy saving and respect for the environment.
Envisaged under principles of sustainable architecture, this building features various means for the generation of energy, among these the integration of two photovoltaic skylights and part of a curtain wall by Onyx Solar®.
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AMORPHOUS SILICON SKYLIGHT IN VALLADOLID
<0,02€
Energy cost
34%
Reduction in HVAC energy demands
55%
Internal Rate of Return
<2 years
Payback
Data:
Total Area - 128 M2- Electricity generated in 35 years - 374,560 kWh
- Total lighting points operating 4 hours per day in 35 years - 736 lighting points
- Avoided CO2 emmisions in 35 years - 251 Tons of CO2
- Barrels of oil saved in 35 years - 220 barrels per m2
Total Area - 128 M2
Electricity generated in 35 years - 374,560 kWh
Total lighting points operating 4 hours per day in 35 years - 736 lighting points
Avoided CO2 emmisions in 35 years - 251 Tons of CO2
Barrels of oil saved in 35 years - 220 barrels per m2
The low-emissivity glass employed, made of amorphous silicon, has a semitransparency degree of 10% (M vision). With an installed power capacity of 6 kWh, it generates 5,550 kWh of power yearly and prevents the release of 3.7 tons of CO2.
LUCIA stands out as a paradigm of energetic efficiency and sustainable architecture, as it saves up to 60% of power consumption. For this reason, it has achieved the LEED Platinum Certificate, with 98 points, 5 leaves in Green Certification, the 2015 ENERAGEN Award in the Buildings category and third prize in 2013 from Mediterranean Sustainable Architecture, among others.
The LUCIA building has been declared the most sustainable building in the northern hemisphere and the second worldwide, according to the LEED Platinum certification”
"Onyx™ has been a preferential technological partner in the development of the project, executing a highly innovative solution in the form of photovoltaic skylights, highly attractive systems from the point of view of sustainable construction and LEED certification”. Francisco Valbuena, Valladolid University Technical Architecture Unit Director.
The LUCIA building is devoted to laboratories and research centres. The strategies employed are based on a painstaking architectural bioclimatic design; the use of renewable energy throughout (biomass, solar photovoltaic and geothermal-intensive), criteria for the reduction of power requirements, special attention to other matters such as water treatment, vegetation, and waste management, and with a particular focus on social aspects. The building has achieved excellent financial results and optimal results in energy saving and zero CO2.