Powerhouse Kjørbo is the first office building to become energy-positive after refurbishment, producing more energy than it consumes over its lifetime.

By optimizing and combining existing technologies in new ways, the project partners behind Powerhouse Kjørbo have created a building that produces more energy than it consumes. The concept focuses on energy efficiency as well as energy self-sufficiency through local energy production. This is done by focusing on ventilation concepts, lightning technology, choice of materials, and energy supply.

The solar panels on the building can produce electricity for use on site, or for delivery to the power grid, with capacity of over 200,000 kWh, or 41 kWh/m2 each year. As a result of these efforts, the Powerhouse Kjørbo was awarded BREEAM’s “Outstanding” certificate.

Buildings account for 40% of the world’s energy consumption. The project partners behind Powerhouse Kjørbo are collaborating to design and construct buildings that produce more energy than they consume. These energy-positive buildings reduce energy consumption and operating costs, while surplus electricity generated by rooftop solar panels can be used for other purposes.

Source:  SUSTAINIA100 2014 publication, page no. 25/ www.sustainia.me
Photo: Innovation Norway