Aim

Our overall aim is to analyse a state-of-the-art structure that is already energy efficient and try to come up with new methodologies and strategies on how to make it a Net Zero Energy Building.

The reason for trying to achieve this is to minimize the carbon footprint Visitor Centre -and similar buildings- may have in the future, as well as to reduce its dependence on the main grid.

Visitor Centre of BRE Innovation Park at Ravenscraig is an outstanding example of a modern building design. Based on innovative, low-carbon technologies and stringent energy standards, it was designed to demonstrate a zero carbon operation. However, this target was not totally achieved and it was our task to investigate the means to allow the centre to operate as a carbon neutral venue.

At first, the findings of this project will be useful for BRE, in order to make Visitor Centre a Net Zero Energy building over a year. Additionally, the methodology followed as well as the successful (and unsuccessful) outcomes of the project can be used as guidance and be deployed (or avoided) by similar structures, e.g. visitor centres, offices, conference rooms and meeting areas, in future practical applications.