THE GENIUS CAMPUS – A COMPLEX SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT IN THE TRANSILVANIA UNIVERSITY OF BRASOV

Abstract

Making a step forwards, Transilvania University of Brasov is developing a new research campus, GENIUS (Green, Energy Independent University Campus). The core of the GENIUS Campus is the RTD Institute, which infrastructure is developed within the frame of the project “RTD Institute: High-Tech Products for Sustainable development”. The project develops the infrastructure for the human resources for RTD of excellence in the field of sustainable development. All the 12 buildings are designed by the university teams and represent, each of it, in-field testing stands hosting renewable energy mixes, implemented in low energy buildings that embed novel solutions for energy efficiency and energy saving. The paper presents the main design steps and gives answers to the major problems faced during implementing the “low energy buildings” concept in the mountain area that characterises the GENIUS Campus location. The data so far acquired on small scale solar-thermal, PV and heat pump systems implemented in the university show that most of the commercial design software is giving approximate solutions, usually rising the initial costs or failing in extreme weather conditions. Therefore, based on the data to be simultaneously acquired on the 12 buildings, optimised sustainable energy solutions can be developed and used, offering reliable design alternatives for implementing renewable, considering the specific location. The results are subject of technology transfer towards companies, individuals or sustainable communities, that choose to implement sustainable energy solutions in the built environment.

Key Words: GENIUS Campus, Transilvania University, Braşov