100% eco-friendly research and development building
Pipistrel’s institute building with an area of 2,400 m2 has built-in the cutting-edge technology in the field of energy efficiency and energy production from renewable sources. The building is completely energy self-sufficient, achieved by:
• The location of the object in space and roof shape is arranged for the best efficiency of solar rays and to minimize the impact of local strong winds.
• Big glass areas are facing north, to let in the light but not also the direct sun rays (and heat). At the same time, a roof that allows the direct sunlight in only in the winter covers the windows on the south side.
• Above-standard insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Heating and cooling are carried out with the system of floor radiation.
• A geothermal well, geothermal reservoir box, a heat pump and a co-generational power ensure energy for heating and cooling.
• The lights are automatically regulated.
• Ventilation is carried out by means of recovery units, which remove heat from the dirty air and use it to heat the clean, cold air.
• Solar power covers all the electricity needs; the excess is sold to the grid.
• Cogeneration power plant is available if there is a need for additional energy.
Resources needed
The value of the investment is 2,5 million Euro, out of this 370.000 EUR of non-refundable funding by the government and the EU.
The company financed this investment with its own resources and with credits granted by the "EKO" fund and NKBM bank with subsidized interest rates by the Municipality
Evidence of success
Savings
Quite apart from the numerous savings of the new building, the solar power plant alone is expected to reduce the carbon footprint for 65,000 kg of CO2 every year. On top of that, the savings from replacing the oil based heaters amount to 37,295 kg of CO2. Replacing the earth-gas heaters means additional saving of 49,990 kg of CO2, and savings from using energy co-generation: 33,350 kg of CO2 per year. A rough estimate for yearly savings of energy is 95.000 kWh.
Difficulties encountered
This part of Slovenia has local phenomenon called "Burja”, a strong wind which can exceed 200 km/h. To withstanding the wind and still have an optimum efficiency of the solar power plant, the building location, orientation and shape of the roof need ajustment.
Potential for learning or transfer
Pipistrel continues its philosophy depicted in energy efficient aircrafts by investing into environmentally friendly premises, researching new energy sources and innovative propulsion systems. The future will bring highly important strategic decisions, demanding the preservation of the environment - and the company is already well aware of this. Every single strategic document describing company's vision and future already mentions energy preservation as the first priority.
Regardless of the higher costs of construction and planning of such buildings, Pipistrel believes that it will soon become evident that such energetically self-sufficient constructions are indeed more cost effective over longer periods of time. Furthermore, we are convinced that other businesses will need to follow this vision shortly due to the sheer need for energy preservation as well as for the upcoming environment fees which governments will impose sooner or later.
