Representatives from the Clean Technology Centre at Munster Technological University, visited the Archivo Historico Nacional, Madrid on the 18th and 19th November 2024 to carry out a sustainability analysis of the building.
The building is a purpose-built national archive building, completed in 1953.
It is currently undergoing renovation. The building is a Bienes de Interés Cultural (BIC), an asset of cultural interest, which means that the building is a protected structure. This limits any potential proposed changes to the external façade although windows facing the interior courtyard are currently planned for upgrade. All utilities are are managed centrally by the Ministry of Culture (Ministerio de Cultura). There is no building management system (BMS) to monitor and control services. BIC may also impact on potential future installation of solar PV panels. The Head of Conservation Department, was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the site’s management and had an excellent grasp of sources of information, potential actions and the challenges that exist.
Some of the opportunities to improve the sustainability of the building include:
- Solar PV would be an excellent option
- Establish a Green Team.
- Improve sustainability Reporting
- Identify data collection methods and resources
- Improvement actions in relation to water flow.
- Switch to LED panels
- Install Photo-motion sensors