Green urban quarter pilot project

The Green Urban Quarter Pilot Project refers to the energy refurbishment of a low income building block with four multi-family buildings (1675m2 each), in the municipality of Agia Varvara, greater Athens area. The project is realized within the framework of the national 'Green Neighborhood' program and is coordinated by the Center of Renewable Energy Systems (CRES). The project's aims are: a) Approximately 60% saving in primary energy consumption, by improving the buildings envelope performance. b) Motivation of the related supply chain, industries and commercial companies. c) Quality control of the products and of their implementation in the refurbishment process. d) Increased awareness of the local residents regarding the benefits of energy upgrading by means of examples and dissemination activities. Four offices with architects experienced in the application of Renewable Energy technics in buildings, were chosen by CRES as consultants for the project.

In order to promote and give an example of the project's aim to the residents, the engineers and the related product providers, CRES conducted an energy audit and a study was realised by these architects concerning the building envelope refurbishment thermal insulation, windows with double glazing and shading of one of the four multifamily buildings. The architects used an austere design with vivid colors, demonstrating that with simple means, a technically effective, low in cost and aesthetically pleasant result can be achieved.

CRES supervised the realization of the design with the help of the Municipality and the Unions of commercial companies which provided for the work cost and the appropriate products used. Innovative materials were implemented to the facades, such as self-cleaning paint used in order to face the graffiti problem and to simplify maintenance. A competition is in progress for the refurbishment of the three remaining buildings and the mechanical installations of the whole block.