Digging Deep to Future-Proof Energy For a New Architectural Icon

ESB's Smart Energy Services worked with V&A Dundee, Dundee City Council and Arup to explore energy solutions for the city’s new design museum.

The Ask

To develop an energy efficient heating solution that would complement the museum’s futuristic architectural design by Japan’s Kengo Kuma & Associates, without visually impacting its impressive visual exterior.

The Challenge

With a site on the banks of the River Tay, just a few kilometres downstream from the North Sea, where the average annual temperature is a cool 8.6ºC, climate was the first of many challenges. The others included the sustainable building obligations and a treasure trove of design artefacts that naturally had to be protected. This, in turn, required a reliable, low-carbon HVAC solution.

"We are very pleased with ESB’s Smart Energy Services sustainable design and performance on V&A Dundee and very excited to have such a high tech, low energy, low carbon solution for all the building’s heating and cooling requirements. This really reflects the ethos of the building being a centre of excellence for design.”
- Mike Galloway, former Director of City Development, Dundee City Council

The Solution
Geothermal and Air-sourced energy were determined as the most efficient options. The completed system is comprised of water-to-water heat pumps drawing low grade heating and cooling from a closed-loop bore hole array 200 feet below the site, as well as roof-mounted air-source heat pumps providing top up and back-up. A remote monitoring system ensures around the clock system optimisation, while offering support to on-site facilities staff.

The Results
100% of heating, cooling and hot water needs provided for
54% less carbon generated than traditional Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems
103% less energy used than traditional HVAC systems
Recorded efficiencies of 397%

The Competitive Advantage
Energy security and supply resilience
Control over energy usage and costs
Industry-leading sustainability
Invisible system has no impact on the building’s appearance
100% electrical system which decarbonises as the national grid
No reliance on fossil fuels
ESB’s Smart Energy Services has already delivered projects for more than 300 large businesses across Ireland and the UK. Our customers includes Medite Smartply, the Dublin Airport Authority, ABP and Ardagh Glass amongst many others. We have a launched a €75m fund to help large energy users decarbonise while making energy cost savings.
We work in partnership with large energy users to deliver sustainable solutions that dramatically reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
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