Description
Aim of the project: expanding operation of the Museum of Science and Technology „Kurzemes Democentrs” by constructing a low energy consumption house, as well as implementing and demonstrating to the greater public the principles of use of renewable sources of energy, low-carbon-dioxide emitting and low energy-consuming solutions for sustainable buildings. Construction of a low-energy consumption building with total area of 595 square meters to be used as premises for a museum is going to be the main Activity of the Project. The project foresees use of 3 technologies using renewable sources of energy: - Solar batteries with a total power of 5.2 kW to be used as electrical power source; - Solar collector for water heating; - Air-air type heat pump/conditioner.
Summary of project results
To inform the society, especially young people, in an interesting and interactive way about questions which involves climate change – its causes, consequences and solutions, which all are topical subjects not only in Latvia but also in the rest of the world, it was necessary to expand Science and Technology Museum "Kurzeme Demo Centre" operation. The objective of the project was to construct a low-energy consumption building, as well as implementing and presenting usage of renewable energy resources and low carbon dioxide (CO2) and low-energy consumption solutions for sustainable buildings to the public. Building itself serve as a separate exhibit, which demonstrates the possible solutions for sustainable buildings - with the usage of renewable resources, low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and low energy costs to the society. Planned building heating energy costs are 12.8 kWh/m2 a year, which is approximately 10 times less than a current average building in Latvia. The building fits within the standard of a passive house. On the roof of the new building are collectors to accumulate the sun energy, but inside, an automated electronic system is used to manage ventilation and heating system. The building is heated with the help of heat pump. In parallel with the construction of the new building, an interactive bicycle-stand Journey in the world of energy efficiency was created that provides the museum visitors with the opportunity to go on a virtual and educational cycling trip about climate change and advantages of energy efficiency buildings.
Summary of bilateral results
"International development Norway (IDN) Research" is a non-profit Research Organisation conducting basic research, industrial research, experimental development and disseminate results through publications, education, and technology transfer activities. In this project, IDN Research contributed with experts on renewable energy and environmental technology who helped to develop the exhibition within the Democenter, an interactive bicycle stand that provides the museum visitors with the opportunity to go on a virtual and educational cycling trip about climate change and advantages of energy efficiency buildings.