EN:lab, the Energy Department’s new laboratory building, is opened
The focus is on innovative solutions for efficient and integrated energy management
EN:lab, the new 6.000 m2 building dedicated to the activities of the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano, has been inaugurated. It is a true laboratory-building located on the Bovisa Campus, the result of an innovative integrated vision of work, research and shared spaces, and is part of the urban regeneration of the Bovisa-Goccia-Villapizzone area of Milan.
The inauguration was attended by the Rector, Donatella Sciuto, the Director of the Department, Giovanni Lozza, the Councillor for the Environment and Climate of the Lombardy Region, Giorgio Maione, and the Councillor for the Environment and Green Areas of the City of Milan, Elena Grandi.
The most innovative aspect of EN:lab is that the building itself is a laboratory, designed with innovative solutions for efficient and integrated energy management.
The building has a large area dedicated to photovoltaic production, with 300 monocrystalline silicon modules for a peak power of over 100 kW. Heating and cooling energy is provided by two high-performance, environmentally friendly reversible air-source heat pumps, with provision for connection to the campus’ future district heating network. There are no combustion systems, so there are no direct emissions.
Energy requirements are also minimised because the building is equipped with glass surfaces which, in addition to providing high thermal and acoustic insulation and maximum passive solar protection, form the basis of an “active and responsive” management system. In fact, 70 sensor kits collect and process environmental and climatic data, making it possible to optimise the performance of the building envelope and systems in real time, creating the best conditions inside for energy efficiency and human comfort and well-being.
The new Bovisa will be built under the banner of sustainability. It will house infrastructures that, starting with EN:lab, represent not only innovative solutions from an energy and environmental point of view, but above all avant-garde experimental areas for cutting-edge research. We have on our side the institutions and companies that believe in the University’s ability to make a significant difference on cutting-edge issues that will shape the future of the territory, the city of Milan and its related industries.
Donatella Sciuto, Rector of Politecnico di Milano
EN:lab is a concrete example of how technological innovation and energy efficiency can be integrated. The building’s advanced features not only enhance our research capabilities with laboratories dedicated to the latest transition technologies, but also provide a model for optimised energy management.
Giovanni Lozza, Director of the Department of Energy
EN:lab will include 7 experimental laboratories on frontier topics such as nanomaterials, electrochemical batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers, and electrical devices for smart grids, covering a total of 1,600 square metres, a 150-seat lecture hall, two multipurpose rooms for dissemination and innovative education, meeting rooms and offices.
As part of the university’s sustainability plan, a “flagship project” will soon be launched to visualise energy flows in real time and make them available for teaching and dissemination purposes.
Giovanni Lozza, Director of the Department of Energy
