New Bocconi Building: Zero Emissions for Heating

In the design and installation of the technical plants for the building in via Roentgen, special attention was paid to questions of eco-compatibility. In particular, the heat required for warming its spaces comes not from a gas furnace but from hot underground water whose energy is captured by heat exchangers and distributed by heat pumps, all with zero atmospheric emissions.

The building's structure, with its large masses of reinforced concrete, has very good thermal insulation characteristics. The broad glass surfaces on the lower floors furnish an unusual level of natural illumination, and artificial illumination can be regulated to best respond to the outdoor light conditions at any moment.

In the office sections, the full-height windows are designed to limit solar overload in summer while providing excellent natural lighting, even during the winter months. The windows also open, allowing natural ventilation for a good part of the year as well as reducing the need for artificial climatization and ventilation.

The entire structure, completely heated and cooled year-round, is designed employing the best solutions for reduction of energy and management costs. The climatization plant is in fact equipped with a system of intelligent supervision to guarantee maximum efficiency.