New Energy Academy Europe building to be zero emission

The building which has yet to be designed for the Energy Academy Europe at the Zernike Complex will not only be architecturally interesting but also an example of zero-emission through an extremely energy-efficient design. The aim, if possible, is even to have the building act as an energy supplier.

The architects were announced this week: PvanB – Broekbakema, a combination of the Groningen architectural firm PvanB and Broekbakema from Rotterdam. They were selected after a European tender procedure in which 25 architectural firms participated. The five shortlisted candidates each gave a presentation to the selection committee. PvanB – Broekbakema’s view with regard to the sustainability of the proposed building won the day, but they also went the extra mile with their thoughts on making the entire Zernike Complex more sustainable. This dovetailed neatly with the planned policies of the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen with regard to sustainability.

The building

The building will be located at the Zernike Complex, between the Physics and Chemistry building and the Bernoulliborg. The final design and site preparations are scheduled for 2013, and the building work for 2014. The official opening is planned sometime around New Year’s Day 2015.

Energy Academy Europe

The Energy Academy Europe (EAE) in Groningen is the new leading institute where energy-related teaching, research and innovation converge. The EAE is is an initiative of the University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, GasTerra and Energy Valley. The EAE’s main energy themes are natural gas (including biogas and green gas), the energy of the future (such as wind and solar power), smart grids, energy efficiency, cost reductions and CO₂ reduction. The EAE welcomes individuals, organizations and businesses willing to participate in realizing a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply.

Note for the press

More information: Pieter van Hoesel, University of Groningen Property and Investment Projects Department, tel. 050-3637605, e-mail: j.p.m.van.hoesel rug.nl