More information
Description
The Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), beyond its cultural and artistic mission, actively supports the adoption of sustainable technologies to enhance its building infrastructure and reduce its environmental impact. As part of the GR-Energy Programme, ASFA implemented an energy upgrade project at its Art Station in Delphi. The project aimed to significantly improve the building''s energy efficiency while preserving its architectural identity and ensuring integration with the unique natural and historical environment of the area.
The Delphi Art Station serves as a key educational hub for ASFA, providing space for supplementary training, workshops, lectures, and cultural activities. Its location near the archaeological site of Delphi makes it one of the institution’s most prominent facilities, giving the interventions high demonstrative value for students, staff, and visitors.
Energy Efficiency Interventions:
Installation of external thermal insulation on masonry
Roof insulation
Installation of VRV systems for energy-efficient heating and cooling
Replacement of window frames with energy-efficient, double-glazed units
Installation of solar collectors for domestic hot water (DHW) production
Replacement of conventional lighting with LED technology
Additionally, a smart metering system was installed to monitor electricity consumption, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. This supports informed energy management decisions and promotes awareness of sustainable practices.
Outcomes:
Enhanced energy performance and thermal comfort of the facility
Reduced energy consumption and CO₂ emissions
Creation of a “Living Lab” for environmental education and awareness
Promotion of innovative green technologies within an academic and cultural context
The successful implementation of the project aligns with ASFA’s broader goals of sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Summary of project results
The project was completed successfully with no significant implementation challenges, except for a notable increase in the cost of materials and equipment compared to the initial budget estimates. This cost escalation was attributed to the broader energy crisis, which had a widespread impact on construction and energy retrofit pricing across Europe.
As a result, additional financial resources were required in the middle of implementation to fulfill the originally defined targets and commitments of the Project Promoter, as specified in the Inclusion Decision. The issue was formally acknowledged, and a request for additional funding was submitted to secure the achievement of the project''s predefined objectives and performance indicators.
In the end, 100% of the Project’s physical object was completed, following all legal procedures and within the framework of the EEA Grants 2014–2021 programme.
The Project of the Athens School of Fine Art, under the GR-ENERGY Programme, included the following sub-projects:
- Sub-Project 1: Supply and Installation of smart & innovative energy upgrade technologies in ASFA infrastructure.
- Sub-Project 2: Intelligent experiential measuring equipment in ASFA Infrastructure.
- Sub-Project 3: Creation of a Living Lab for the dissemination of the project results.
- Sub-Project 4: Scientific support services for the sustained project implementation of ASFA.
In addition, in the context of strengthening the bilateral relations of the Athens School of Fine Arts with partners from the Donor Countries, a visit to the premises of the Icelandic National Energy Authority in Reykjavik (Orkustofnun) was carried out in September 2024 to transfer know-how and good practices in the field of green energy transition. Bilateral cooperation actions were carried out and a report was drawn up assessing the know-how transferred and describing specific results and ways of exploitation by the Athens School of Fine Arts.
The project has successfully achieved the following outcomes:
Increased public awareness by introducing citizens to modern green technologies and promoting best practices in building energy upgrades.
Familiarization of local communities with sustainable development approaches, particularly through interventions in buildings of architectural and cultural significance.
Reduction in CO₂ emissions and overall energy consumption, contributing to improved environmental performance.
Strengthening of local and institutional partnerships, fostering collaboration in the implementation of sustainable energy solutions.
Therefore, the Project contributes to the energy renovation of a public infrastructure located in a site of particular archaeological and touristic interest, reducing its energy footprint in harmony with the natural and historical environment and creating incentives for modern green energy transition technologies for buildings.