VISION

In 2011, The Eindhoven University of Technology unveiled an ambitious modernization plan titled,
Strategic Vision 2020, which includes the conversion of the campus into a science park with
laboratories and housing facilities.
The Potentiaal building has served as the HQ for the Electrical Engineering department of TU/e for the
last 4 decades but to realize the strategic vision it will be renovated into a student-housing, educational
and cultural complex.

OUR METHODOLOGY
By considering the People, Planet, Profit approach we analyzed the implications of sustainable
buildings from a broad perspective.
People: Since technology is ever more
interrelated with user-interaction and
community
buildings,
People
are
increasingly important. We dedicated great
attention to the theme of increasing
sustainable behavior and community
building.
Planet: Our main focus remained the
Planet, where we incorporated the energy
aspects, dictated from the Trias Energetica.
Profit: Finally, we want to show that, it`s
not only about financial profit, which can
be achieved with sustainable building
design, but also about creating other
forms of prosperity, such as health and
happiness.

Technology is becoming more and more integrated with our lives, and subsequently, the way we
interact with it is becoming more important. Most of us check our e-mails daily, our nances weekly
or monthly, but the energy use is hardly ever checked. By having an innate interest in keeping track of
numbers and the love to consume information, despite most peoples passion about the future of our
planet, an individuals energy use is largely non-interactive. Fortunately, this is changing and instead
of just designing technology for any use, more attention is going towards designing the behaviour of
the users as well, in this case the inhabitants daily life. To this end, several technologies are
implemented in this project that interact with its users in novel ways and which raise the awareness
of our daily energy consumption, water consumption and waste treatment.

The Rooms
In the room level different energy saving technologies
are implemented that can influence the behaviour of the
tenants. For instance, the room is fitted with smart
meters that monitor how much and where energy is
used. And by using a home automation system app the
lighting or thermostats and even a few appliances can
be controlled. The idea is that by giving the users more
control over their appliances, we aim to reduce their
energy consumption.

Exhibition
One example is the exhibition located at the bottom of the east atrium. There will be 24 high-tech
displays that create an interactive, audiovisual experience to present the latest innovations. This will
give the university and connected companies the possibility to show what happens on the area of
knowledge valorization and increases interest in what happens in the region.
Finally, some permanent technological features will be added to the area to act as discussion pieces
and show the integration of energy in the building.

Rooftop
On top of the Potentiaal building, there will be a roof terrace with space for social gatherings. This is
the place where the three pillars of sustainability people, planet and profit are clearly represented.
Also his area incorporates some innovative technologies to enhance the tenants life and the
buildings sustainability.

Energy Saving Contest

It is the aim of this project to promote a lifestyle based on awareness and discussion about energy
consumption. Therefore, a periodic energy saving contest will be part of living in the Potentiaal, the
Potentiaal Energy Challenge.
The considered parameters are energy and water consumption, together in kWh as they can easily
be measured by the smart meters. The students form groups and compete with each other. Being in
a group adds to the responsibility of the individual and the members can share tips and feedback to
help improve each other. This goes better if they know each other.
(The contest will be integrated in the smart energy app that is available via the tenants smartphone
and the window display. Regular notifications will give some information about your energy use and
the contest.)

Energy Savings
A variety of systems are implemented in the design. Each addition contributes to energy savings and
therefore to energy cost minimization. Starting from the baseline design, with 1,96 GWh/year, the
integration of the atria, the faade and the terminal system, leads to a decrease of 42% in the
heating and cooling load. The whole design leads to 23% energy savings and up to 57% water savings.

Smart Meters
Elevators
BIPV
PV
LED
Shower Heat Recovery
Terminal System
Facade
Atrium
Baseline

Energy Demand (MWh/year)

The Team
As PDEng trainees in Smart Energy Buildings and Cities, we are a group of young professionals
dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for myriad challenges.

Konstantinos
Tzanakakis

Cristian
Boscheri

Immanuel
Geesing

Mohammad
Ghasempourabadi

Finn
Vossen

Evi
Ploumbidou

Ram
Ramachadra