Case study 1: Avax S.A. - Construction Company

The present building, located at the center of Athens, on Lycabettus hill, was constructed by a major construction Greek company, who targeted at the time to develop an environmentally sound building, representative of the dynamics of the company and their modern, technologically oriented architectural concept of interest and value.

The prime design concern was the integration of the building with the surrounding built environment and its responsiveness to the changes. Furthermore, the willingness to make the necessary investment is reflected on the entire design procedure, as well as on choice of the materials and methods of construction. Thus, the constructed building is capable of controlling itself, of keeping its energy consumption low, of preserving the environment from unnecessary pollution, while is responsive to natural conditions.

Features & Systems

Designed to exploit natural lighting potential of the area

Shading
- Solar fins (vertical glass silk-screen-printed panels)
- Fixed horizontal metal grills
- External venetian blinds
Passive/Hybrid cooling techniques
Night ventilation
Ceiling fans
Cold storage system (ice banks)
- Central Building Energy management system (BEMS)
- HVAC

Using Matrix Tool to assess building Intelligence

The impact of people is excellent in Built Environment and Functionality, while Economy and Responsiveness have also achieved very high credits; less than 3% of occupants complain on discomfort and proved to be able to work efficiently. Moreover, they are in majority able to properly operate terminal devices. The operators of the building can adjust the systems to optimise performance and the energy management is well organized throughout the whole operation of the building. A potential of improvement exists in suitability, where more services and facilities could be provided mainly to disabled persons.

The impact of systems is excellent in functionality, as the BMS is optimally commissioned and constantly maintained by a specialist company. In terms of all the other issues, e.g. Built Environment, Responsiveness, Economy and Suitability, the building has also very big credits; occupants can automatically control almost all the comfort indices, through the systems the building is respond to all changes, except real time pricing (a service yet not available in Greece), and the nocturnal discount energy tariff that is applied influences the operation during summer months, when night ventilation is applied. Finally, through a broadband Internet connection, a set of specialist services is provided.

Critical issues are also very positive in terms of Built Environment, Functionality, Economy and Suitability. There are no complaints that could be perceived as SBS, the maintenance of all the systems and BMS worked out regularly, and energy efficiency is constantly checked. A possible potential of improvement lies in Responsiveness, where the building, in operational level can be ameliorate in power failure cases. In such cases, there are autonomic battery powered security lights, but there is no electric power generator. But the cost of the installation of EPG must be under consideration, as power failure is a very rare event.

Both, the impact of processes and design are very positive. In practice, the design of the building and all process related to the day to day operation of the building are of a high level, thus there is no need for improvements.

Overall score: 104.5