Universities in Spain and Chile achieve major energy efficiency milestones

Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) has achieved the highest energy efficiency rating (Class A) for three buildings at its Vera campus, according to IVACE. The improved buildings include the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial, the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Informática, and the Rectorate.

These upgrades involved thermal installation renewals, building envelope improvements, LED lighting replacement, and the integration of photovoltaic systems for self-consumption. The Rectorate building alone is estimated to reduce annual consumption by 2.9 GWh and CO2 emissions by 474 tons. Other campus buildings, such as the Casa del Estudiante and the Faculty of Fine Arts, also saw improved energy ratings.

In Chile, the Universidad Católica del Maule has reached pre-certification for its Santa Mónica Campus Service Building under the Sustainable Building Certification (CES) standard. Following energy efficiency advisory work by B-green Chile and ODA Arquitectos, adjustments were made to the building's envelope, insulation, glazing, solar protection, climate control, and water usage to meet recognized sustainability standards.