Final architecture diploma projects in the analysis of the UPC buildings energy performance

Abstract

Education is the base for achieving sustainable development. With the purpose of introducing sustainable challenges in terms of climate change, water and energy consumption, the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) has promoted the culture of energy efficiency in new generations of professionals that will work in the field of building construction. A group of 29 students taking the final official Diploma in Architecture were involved in a project of analysis of energy performance of UPC buildings in order to identify and implement cost-effective ways of promoting a greater environmental responsibility. The development of works focused the attention on introducing energy audits in existing university buildings, analysing the following aspects: surveying construction drawings, building characteristics, energy consumption, and use of natural lighting, energy-saving lighting controls, water consumption, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. The ultimate goal was to draft a proposal with greater respect for the environment, and for corrective measures aimed at reducing the cities environmental impact. This paper has the objective of publicising the results, from an academic standpoint, of a specific action carried out within the framework of the Energy Efficiency Plan (UPC,* 2002) that is now being implemented and that will allow the existing commitment to greening the university studies in Technical Architecture School to be strengthened. The first stage was performed through the energy audit of 24 UPC buildings, and, in view of the good results obtained, the second stage has now been started through other public office, school and sport buildings.