Energy efficiency has become a fundamental pillar of contemporary architecture. Faced with the climate challenge, spaces can no longer be limited to being only functional and attractive: the search to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact is defining the character (and the future) of new constructions. A series of requirements, such as the use of renewable energy, the integration of innovative and highly efficient systems or air quality, which they have been promoting and recognizing for eleven years now.
Organized and sponsored by Mitsubishi Electricthe event has established itself as the most anticipated annual event among air conditioning professionals. The emblematic Torre Glòries in Barcelona hosted this 11th edition. An unforgettable night, with Roberto Brasero as master of ceremonies and more than 250 guests, where the most innovative projects in terms of efficiency and sustainability were celebrated.
Architectural jewels of our country came together, such as the turning room of the Mark’ennovy Contact Lens Factory, in Getafe, or the Offices at Paseo de la Castellana 14, awarded with the highest award for their design and innovation. As a novelty, the jury also crossed the Atlantic this year to recognize the Cero + Infinito Pavilion of the University of Buenos Aires in the new category of most efficient project in LATAM.
Turning room at the Mark’ennovy factory, from Zetus Soluciones Energéticas
The new Mark’ennovy headquarters in Getafe (Madrid) is based on three pillars: technology, R&D&I and customization. The firm, one of the most important manufacturers of turned contact lenses in the world, trusted Zetus Soluciones Energéticas to convert its turning room, awarded in the category up to 200kW, into the most advanced in Europe. The goal? Quintuple your production, maintaining absolute control of the temperature, humidity and air quality of the space, where any slight variation can affect the process.
To achieve this, we opted for gama IT Cooling de Mitsubishi Electricthe same high-precision cooling systems used in data centers, adapting them to an imposing 300 m² industrial space. Its design allows a large part of the extraction air to be reused, without the need to treat the outside air for production, thus reducing thermal loads and achieving a Outstanding energy efficiency (SEER 6).
The system is completed with HEPA and Active Carbon filters, to obtain a completely clean and stable environment. This commitment to innovation that translates into exceptional figures: an efficiency of 74% in summer to 89% in winter.
Offices Paseo de la Castellana 14 (Madrid), of IKDI Ingenieros
It is not easy to convert a protected historical building from the 19th century into a space with almost zero consumption. He IKDI Ingenieros study managed to update the property at number 14 Paseo de la Castellanawithout touching the exterior facades or interior stairs; a unique exercise that has obtained the highest award in the +200 kW category. Because behind that classic appearance, the building hides a complex hybrid air conditioning system, which combines geothermal, aerothermal and gas, along with a cooling tower with freecooling night.
Thanks to a double thermal circuit (15º /35º) and intelligent predictive control, the system automatically adjusts temperature and energy consumption in real time. Added to this are active slabs (TABS), which integrate structure and air conditioning, maximizing thermal comfort and reducing energy demand.
The property, with energy certification A, is emerging as a benchmark in urban sustainability: it incorporates a ventilation system with 80% enthalpic recovery, which uses the heat of the extracted air to condition the new air, while the treatment batteries connected to the hydraulic loop guarantee that each room maintains an optimal temperature and humidity.
In turn, air quality control and variable flow per floor and room ensure a comfortable and healthy environment. In summary, we are faced with an intervention that demonstrates how innovation can dialogue with history without altering its essence.
Innovation at all scales
The finalists of this edition are a reflection of the diversity of the contest, projects of different types that share the same conviction: efficiency and sustainability are possible at any scale. Among the Gold finalists in the category up to 200 kW, the Pinola Housing, in Chiclana de la Frontera (Cadiz). This bioclimatic house, the work of Lisabesur and Mollinedo Arquitectos, combines active and passive solutions such as Ecodan aerothermal, underfloor heating and photovoltaic panels, to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact to a minimum.
In the +200kW category, the Barbastro Health Center (Huesca) by Ingeniería Tornéfor its innovative integration of renewable systems (geothermal, solar cooling and seasonal accumulation) in a healthcare complex that remained operational during its renovation, reaching NZEB standards of almost zero consumption.
Among the Silver finalists, in the category up to 200 kW, the Archaeological Museum of Banyoles (Girona): Reda Brussosa Ingenieros Ingeniously solved the air conditioning of a protected Gothic building using a VRF hybrid system with high efficiency and low heritage impact.
The new corporate headquarters of the TM group in Torrevieja (Alicante)from the real estate group itself, was a Silver finalist in the category +200 kW: an office building with energy certification A—it is in the process of obtaining the LEED and WELL Platinum seals—which combines intelligent control, comfort environmental and cutting-edge technology.
Efficiency without borders
As a novelty, this 11th edition incorporated a new international category: the LATAM Most Efficient Project Awardawarded to Zero + Infinity Pavilion of the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)of Vignaroli, Sierra and Associates. This unique university building stands out for its open architecture, with a green roof and a curtain wall, perfectly integrated with the environment.
Its mixed air conditioning system (VRF condensed by air and water with a geothermal loop of 234 wells and use of groundwater) recovers energy from the building’s overpressure air, achieving energy savings of up to 70% (EER 5.4–5.7).
Distributed ventilation with double networks per floor, filtration adapted to ASHRAE 62.1 regulations and an independent outside air system guarantee an environmental quality superior to local standards. A pioneering project that consolidates the commitment of the 3 Diamond Awards to energy efficiency on a global scale.
