One of the two Second Staff Exchanges has taken place in Naples (Italy), hosted by ANEA - Naples Agency for Energy and Environment project partner, on the 30th and 31st of May 2018.
Partners and stakeholders from the Region of Crete (Greece) and stakeholders from Ireland and Northern Ireland have participated in this exchange. Furthermore, Italian stakeholders have also been involved to promote the exchange of experience and knowledge between partner regions in the project.
The first day attendees have visited University of Sannio (in Benevento province) to find out more about research activities. Afterwards, CLEAN partners and stakeholders have exchanged their successful energy practices and have discussed about how to promote knowledge among partner regions. Then, they have visited a prototype of a nZEB building (Nearly Zero Energy Building). "All the experts involved in the energy efficiency field can learn about the latest technologies, building materials and systems. The nZEB building represents an example of integrated solution for the Mediterranean countries and could be disseminated to construction companies and practitioners", explains Maria Apostolaki, Environmental Engineer and Special Advisor for Energy at Region of Crete and partner in CLEAN project.
Another study visit has taken place in MATRIX Multi Activity Test Room for Innovating and energy laboratory with innovative systems. "The site visits allowed me gain an insight into the approaches being explored in the region to efficiently heat and cool buildings of varying ages and to harness the renewable resources available in the region", says Paddy Mullen, Facilities Manager and Executive Engineer at Donegal County Council (Ireland). Mullen is one of the stakeholders that has participated on the staff exchange on behalf of the lead partner, ERNACT.
During the second day, participants have visited the Industrial Engineering Department of University of Naples 'Federico II' to find out more about research activities as well. Another stakeholder in the project, Ciara Burke Project Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council (Northern Ireland), explains that, "the visit to 'Federico II' has outlined the reality of managing a retrofit with a total of 10,000 persons onsite on one building (one of 12 buildings) indicating the challenges of improving buildings, whilst continuing to service and manage the energy efficiency of the building whilst ensuring users needs are met". Burke adds that she was also "interested in the software being used in relation to the management of the system and the consideration being given to reduce the need for the control room, by moving towards smart devices controlled using mobiles".
The other Second Staff Exchange will take place in Crete, the 12th and 13th of June 2018.
Find out more about the First Staff Exchanges in North Karelia (Finland) and San Sebastian (Spain).
