Inspiring project: Where does our center lose energy from?

2024/03/27 STEAM-Hezkuntza (Elhuyar Zientzia)

• Komikiak
• STEAM-hezkuntza

Debates of the European Parliament

Energy efficiency of buildings

Context

Some of the energy used in buildings is lost, for example, through heat or ventilation losses. It is therefore essential that buildings have efficient insulation systems that minimise energy losses and make the most of resources. In addition, the use of renewable energy collection systems such as heat pumps or solar collectors is an ideal solution to reduce the dependency of fossil fuels on buildings and greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from affecting the environment, the energy efficiency of buildings can also affect the economy, as lower energy consumption can lead to significant economic savings.

Therefore, the use of renewable energy in buildings, the efficiency of insulation systems and the reduction of energy consumption are fundamental measures to build a more sustainable and responsible future.

Research question:

Where does our school lose its energy? How can these energy losses be reduced? What does the energy efficiency of our center look like?

Research objectives

• Analysis of energy consumption and losses of buildings.
• Understand what the energy efficiency of buildings is and know the factors that favor the energy efficiency of buildings: reduction of losses, improvement of facilities…
• Know the renewable energies that can be used in buildings.
• Analysis of the energy efficiency of the center and improvement proposals: isolation systems, energy source…

Experimentation proposal

• Collect and analyse information on the energy efficiency of buildings.
• To analyze the energy losses and energy efficiency of the facility, the following experiments can be carried out: Note: in order to perform some experiments, the help of experts is essential.
• Thermographic tests for the study of thermal bridges and temperature distribution.
• Measuring the thermal resistance of the walls.
• Calculation of room infiltrations by means of the door fan test.
• To know and analyze the thermal installations of the center.
• Analyse energy consumption bills and compare them with those of other buildings.
• Analysis of results: draw up a report on the energy efficiency of the centre with the information analysed and all the data obtained in the experiments.
• Make proposals to improve the energy efficiency of the centre.
• Communication: the results can be disseminated in various ways, such as hanging the report and/or video of the project on the web and social networks of the center, making panels for an exhibition and placing them in the center/village, holding a meeting with the management team and faculty of the center, organizing conferences (for students, parents…), presenting the project at a scientific fair…

*Note: To perform some experiments, expert assistance is essential.

Keys to reflection

• How much energy do you spend on your daily routine? List where energy is used.
• Excessive energy consumption and waste of resources.
• Do you need to put the air conditioning in summer and the heating so strong in winter?
• Renewable energies: geothermal, biomass…

To see more projects, click here.

This project, promoted by Elhuyar, has the collaboration of the Department of Economic Promotion and Strategic Projects of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.