The basic concept of nZEB is to build or convert a building so that it achieves very high energy efficiency performance. The very low or negligible energy requirement should be predominantly covered by energy from renewable sources.
The University of Bologna intends to move proactively towards compliance with Art. 9 of EPBD 31/2010, which establishes that starting from 31 December 2018 all newly built public buildings must be nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB). Article 2 of the same directive establishes the basic concept of nZEB: “a building with very high energy performance”. The very low or negligible energy requirement should be predominantly covered by energy from renewable sources. Constructing nZEB buildings is a far from simple process, one that requires counter-intuitive design choices. Furthermore, the construction costs can be difficult to contain, so a careful cost/benefit analysis must be formulated.
The University of Bologna has undertaken a particularly challenging project: to convert an existing monumental pavilion inside the Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi hospital complex into an nZEB. This is Hall 10 "Gozzadini", historically dedicated to the treatment and study of paediatric diseases. The building, built at the beginning of the last century, will be renovated and dedicated to student services (lecture hall, study rooms, library). In 2018 the final planning for the works was started. Talks are also under way with the competent Superintendency to share the project line for the recovery of the lecture hall body, built subsequently, in the most coherent manner with the rest of the historic building. AUTC aims to announce a tender for the works in 2020.
