Elithis Tower produces more power than consumes

DIJON, FRANCE - The Elithis Tower, designed and constructed as the world's most environmentally sound building, has just been unveiled. Touted as the first positive energy office structure, the tower creates more power than it uses.

From design to material and user behaviour, the Elithis Tower applies the latest sustainable development techniques and is now open to journalists, academics and architects interested in studying or replicating this model.

Built in Dijon, France, the Elithis Tower was initially a theoretical challenge Thierry Bievre, General Director of the group Elithis Engineering, put forth to his team. Specialized in technical fluid installation and environmental efficiency, Bievre wanted to know whether it was possible to create an environmentally sound building at equal cost to a traditional structure.

Supported by the City of Dijon, France, and ADEME Bourgogne, France, Elithis Engineers called upon renowned architect Jean-Marie Charpentier (Arte Charpentier Architects, Paris, France) for close collaboration. Together, the group rose to the challenge to create the 54,000 square foot, ten story building which marries aesthetics, urban integration, comfort, energy and environmental performance.

To achieve this impressive combination, a complete environmental ideology was designed. Positive energy buildings produce more power than they consume and the Elithis Tower team strategically minimized energy consumption and maximized renewable energy use.

The Elithis teams committed to eliminating space waste. Materials for this project were chosen according to their global environmental impact. The exterior of the building is made of wood and recycled insulation, while aluminum, which strongly impacts the environmental, was used sparingly.

Bay windows were selected to bring in natural light. To complement this, a special nomad was designed by the Elithis team to guarantee a comfortable level of light is available without excess artificial illumination.

To take advantage of solar energy (warmth and natural light) without the associated inconveniences (excess heat and blinding brightness) a solar shield was designed by the Elithis engineers. Thanks to the unique design of this shield, natural light enters the building while excess heat and blinding light are filtered out.

In addition, a triple flow system has been patented by Elithis, which harmonizes energy in the building. Office energy emissions (from computers, photocopiers, lights, people...) are recovered, saved, harnessed and reused within the Elithis Tower.

To match the engineering and architectural commitment to energy efficiency, everyone in the Elithis Tower, from owners, tenants, leaders and academics, to administrators, employees and visitors, is empowered to participate in the environmental efficiency of the project.

An increased level of consciousness is encouraged, meaning that people within the building are aware of their responsibility in energy consumption. Individuals will be inspired to make positive choices to minimize energy use (in terms of paper, water, transportation...) and reduce the environmental impact users have on their environment.

Because the Elithis Tower is such an innovative experience, the building is designed to facilitate evaluation and understanding. More than 1,600 sensors have been installed to meticulously examine and analyze energy and emissions. Daily energy consumption will be posted and displayed on a special public sign, in full transparency for building greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.

The Elithis Tower is the first active environmental laboratory of its kind and scientists, researchers and universities are invited to visit the Elithis Tower and evaluate the information collected in this project.

Related News

hydro quebec

Hydro-Quebec won't ask for rate hike next year

MONTREAL - Hydro-Quebec Distribution will not file a rate adjustment application with the province’s energy board this year.

In a statement released on Friday the Crown Corporation said it wants current electricity rates to be maintained for another year, starting April 1. That is consistent with the recently tabled Bill 34, which guarantees lower electricity rates for Quebecers.

The bill also provides a $500 million rebate in 2020, half of which will go to residential customers while $190 million will go to commercial customers and another $60 million to industrial ones.

Hydro-Quebec said the 2020-21 rate freeze will generate savings of nearly $1…

READ MORE

EIA expects solar and wind to be larger sources of U.S. electricity generation this summer

READ MORE

london-gateway-unveils-world-first-all-electric-berth

London Gateway Unveils World’s First All-Electric Berth

READ MORE

puerto rico solar power panels

Canadian Solar and Tesla contribute to resilient electricity system for Puerto Rico school

READ MORE

Gaza electricity crisis:

READ MORE