In the spirit of the COP 30 Presidency’s call for a global mutirão – a collective effort to mobilize climate action – the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) will lead a business delegation to COP 30 in Belém, Brazil that will bring forward credible solutions, partnerships, investments, and ideas to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonize agriculture, buildings, industry, and transportation. This case study is part of BCSE’s Granary of Solutions to deliver emissions reductions, increase resilience, and meet energy transition goals worldwide.
Highlights:
- Europe’s first triple-certified sustainable building utilizes energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, digital energy management technology, and on-site energy storage
- Digital efficiency technology allows the facilities team to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, while also tracking and reporting to meet climate commitments and regulations
- The sustainable building structure and advanced energy management result in improved quality of life for building occupants and increased worker productivity
Case Study:
Near the Brussels Airport in Machelen, Belgium, rises The Wings, a first-of-its-kind, ecologically conscious destination for hospitality, well-being and coworking. Built by international real estate developer Ghelamco, it’s named for the four building “wings” that make up the organically shaped, modern complex. With a footprint that spans 50,000m², it houses a hotel and gym plus offices, restaurants and coworking facilities.
With exceptional regard to technology, air quality and sustainability, The Wings is Europe’s first-ever building to be triple certified, earning BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold, and DGNB Gold designations.
Challenges
Developing such a robust complex such as The Wings also included complex challenges. Because the facility wanted to stand out for being carbon- and energy-neutral, Ghelamco sought to set new benchmarks in comfort, well-being and sustainability.
In keeping with the building’s unique design, Ghelamco wanted to create a stimulating environment for professionals, guests and visitors. Additionally, there were challenges optimizing critical building equipment that provided actionable data and delivering on an energy efficient and sustainable future. Therefore, it was essential that the building infrastructure be agile and work with multiple suppliers.
Solutions
In collaboration with Ghelamco, Johnson Controls helped create a building concept that would offer tenants and occupants the perfect balance of business and leisure in a modern and sustainably advanced environment. Using Metasys, a time-tested building automation system (BAS), they were able to build on the foundation of modern facility management to optimize building performance, mitigate risk and power sustainable operations. By structuring the automated control of the HVAC systems and the overall building management system, Metasys ensures Ghelamco’s vision is carried out in everyday operation.
- Its simple and intuitive platform satisfies the complex operational needs and unique specifications of the hotel’s lighting and HVAC systems, such as keeping relative humidity at 50%. Metasys keeps them working in harmony to maximize efficiency at every stage of the building lifecycle.
- It enables the facilities team to monitor and control equipment in real time while tracking usage and consumption easily with a world-class user interface.
- Smart technology and built-in protocols reduce energy use while supporting Europe’s climate policy.
- Energy dashboards enable facilities teams to benchmark and track asset performance.
- Business disruption is kept to a minimum with scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Onboarding is easier, about five minutes, which is 96% less than traditional BAS systems.
- Data is easily accessed from any PC, tablet or mobile device, which gives users more flexibility.
Results
Delivered in early 2024, The Wings perfectly balances work and well-being—and Metasys is key to maintaining that environment. Metasys optimizes daily operations with instant access to data, reducing time on task, carbon emissions and operating costs. The facilities team relies on Metasys to help them achieve KPIs while making their jobs easier.
Metasys enables key system technologies to be integrated into The Wings for a robust operational data set across the complex, allowing operators to work more efficiently and sustainably. This includes heat pumps, energy, water, electricity meters and HVAC controls, such as six-way valves and variable air volume boxes.
IEEE 802.1x support and other cyber security measures ensure connected systems and devices communicate sensitive data efficiently and securely. In each of the 250 hotel rooms, thermostats were developed using our own software, sensors and regulators that were produced in-house, allowing for closer management. This state-of-the-art temperature monitoring and ventilation control maintains a vibrant environment and supports occupant comfort and well-being.
Metasys also ensures Ghelamco’s sustainability vision is brought to life. The Wings has the largest borehole energy storage field with 260 boreholes. To support improved energy management, Metasys support extended to hydronic applications to enable up to 30% energy reduction. Proven, factory-tested HVAC applications drove standardization across the complex while reducing programming time with repeatable, out-of-the-box sequences.
As an advanced sustainable environment with a smart and energy-efficient infrastructure, The Wings with the help of Metasys generates enough energy to operate without the need to consume additional fossil fuels. Additionally, the BAS is agile enough to flex for future sustainability requirements.
With Metasys, the facilities team spends less time on tasks, thanks to single sign-on solutions, intuitive navigation and data driven guidance. And because Metasys is designed to be constantly updated to meet changing needs, preserving BAS investment while adding functionality, The Wings will continue to lead the way for years to come.