The company has worked on the latest advances in energy efficiency in order to improve the University’s energy systems, replacing them with more innovative and efficient models.Early in 2015, Ferrovial Services was awarded a contract for the energy management and renewal of lighting, energy systems and roads and pathways within the University of Alcalá, covering a period of 11 years. The University of Alcalá has more than 30 buildings spread over its three campuses: the campus in the city’s historical centre, the external campus and the campus in Guadalajara. It is a benchmark for education in Spain.
The latest advances in energy efficiency
Improvements which are both energy efficient and environmentally sustainable
Ferrovial Services has now completed all the improvements envisaged to optimise energy management within the University of Alcalá, and the results are already starting to show.
With regard to lighting, this has been changed to LED technology at over 50,000 light points both within the buildings and on the paths and roadways. The new system has greater autonomy and greater light output, with lower energy consumption. Systems for monitoring, control and efficient management of the lighting have also been installed, as have solar panels to feed some of the outdoor lighting, thus contributing further to a reduction in energy consumption.
In order to improve temperature control within the buildings, the company has opted for a free cooling system in the Faculty of Science, and a biomass boiler for student residential buildings. These changes provide energy savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Rector Gala sports pavilion, and a mini-wind turbine system in the science blocks with the aim of making both facilities self-sufficient in energy. The systems provide a clean energy supply of 33 and 4 kWh respectively.
Ferrovial Services has also provided an electric vehicle for University staff to move between the external campus and the historical campus, with two recharging posts which can be used by students and staff, thus achieving an environmentally friendly and responsible mobility solution.
The University of Alcalá, pioneering efficiency and sustainability with the help of Ferrovial Services
Ferrovial Services has invested 2.2 million Euros in this innovative project aimed at providing environmentally friendly and efficient energy systems. It is estimated that total savings throughout the life of the contract will amount to over 39.3 million kWh.
These optimal energy systems have placed the University of Alcalá ahead of other Spanish universities, as a truly pioneering educational institution.
