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SEBR is Retrofitting its 3rd Building in Europe: Sant Boi Town Hall

In 2025, SEBR will complete the renovation of its third building in Europe. This pilot project aims to transform the historic Sant Boi Town Hall, near Barcelona, into a nearly zero-emission building, using advanced technologies to create a more sustainable urban environment.

The Building: History and Energy Challenges

Originally built in 1850 to house the town hall’s central offices and data center, the building has undergone several stages of renovation, the latest being in 2010, which included updating the windows on the upper floors. However, despite these improvements, the building still lacks thermal insulation, which negatively impacts its energy efficiency. In this context, SEBR aims to transform this historic building, preserving its architectural character while equipping it with the functionality needed to meet future energy challenges.

The Solution

The solution implemented by SEBR at the Sant Boi Town Hall replaces the old exterior cooling system with a more efficient one, reducing energy consumption by nearly 50%. The new heat pump has superior performance with a COP of 3.13 for heating and 2.85 for cooling, significantly improving efficiency compared to the previous system. Additionally, an 81.18 kWp photovoltaic system has been installed, covering much of the building’s energy demand and generating excess energy during weekends, which will be injected into the grid, contributing to a more sustainable energy model.

Another key change has been the replacement of 214 light fixtures with LED technology, reducing the energy consumption of the lighting system by 60% while maintaining or even improving the lighting comfort throughout the building. To complete the energy optimization strategy, the Building Management System (BMS) has been upgraded, incorporating advanced features such as real-time data analysis and automatic fault detection, ensuring maximum performance and energy efficiency for the building.

A Structured and Participatory Plan

The project follows a well-defined timeline that began in September 2024, with completion expected in early 2025. After implementation, an evaluation period will be carried out to ensure that all solutions meet the energy efficiency objectives. Additionally, SEBR has designed a comprehensive training strategy for the facility managers and operators to ensure the system operates optimally in the long term.

At the same time, educational activities and awareness workshops will be held for the building’s users, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices and behavioral changes that contribute to energy savings. This community participation approach not only benefits the direct users of the building but also involves the wider community in the transition towards a greener energy model.

A Step Toward Sustainability in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area

The renovation of Sant Boi Town Hall is part of a broader effort by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) to achieve a sustainable city model. Through the Climate and Energy Plan 2030, AMB aims to reduce gross greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% and achieve a 100% renewable electricity system by 2050. In this context, the PROCURE project plays a crucial role, promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions in public buildings, helping the city meet its sustainability goals.

With over 3,000 buildings under its jurisdiction and an annual energy cost exceeding €45 million, the focus for the next decade will be on improving school comfort and achieving carbon-neutral public consumption by 2030. This renewable energy supply model, implemented at the Sant Boi Town Hall, will not only serve as an example for other municipalities but will also encourage the adoption of sustainable solutions by both local authorities and citizens.