An Unlikely Partnership Leads to Greece’s Very First LEED Platinum Building Certification

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What do world renown ‘starchitect’ Renzo Piano, and internationally-accomplished engineering consultant Arup, have in common with a small, family-owned-and-operated systems integration company? Thanks in part to the EcoXpert Partner Program, all have heavily contributed to the development of one of the most advanced green buildings in Europe – and the very first building in Greece to earn a LEED® Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC).

The truth is, this unlikely grouping of professionals is not so uncommon, and is a testament to a unique approach to addressing the technological needs of next-generation green buildings. In supporting local experts, who have relationships to trades and the agility to respond quickly to changing conditions, Schneider Electric is able realize it’s vision to provide interconnected energy and automation systems that are connected, sustainable, efficient, reliable, safe – and green. This approach is manifested in the 5-star award-winning EcoXpert™ program: a global network of the world’s leading system integrators and technology providers who are pioneering the future of smart buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Completed in 2016, the SNFCC provides a new home to the National Library of Greece and Greek National Opera, while also giving new green space and parkland for the surrounding community. An onsite water treatment plant, over 1200 energy meters, 1.5 MW of solar PV generation and full control of HVAC are just some of the elements of the design specification for the facility, which aims to enforce strict limits on energy and water usage.

TEABE, Ltd., a system integrator that is currently completing the certification process for both the BMS and Critical Power badge in Schneider’s EcoXpert partner program, proposed an integrated approach to power management and building automation that helped them secure the project. Leveraging Schneider Electric’s IoT-enabled technology platform, EcoStruxure™, TEABE created a totally integrated system by combining EcoStruxure™ Building Operation with EcoStruxure™ Power Monitoring Expert. The system, provided by Greece’s local Schneider entity, is totally integrated providing monitoring and reporting to the different stakeholders in the facility. The building’s signature 10000m² roof structure provides ample passive cooling during the day, while also housing the remotely monitored PV cells that help offset energy needs of additional mechanical cooling equipment. A coordinated system of controls that can reduce motor loading, dim lighting and manage utility power from any of the 6 MV substations requires advanced monitoring. The system designed and implemented by TEABE has been validated in post-commissioning as achieving the intended results.

At the 2017 EcoXpert Live conference held in Budapest, I had the honor of awarding Klearchos Chalikakis, Technical Manager at TEABE, the Project of the Year award for the Critical Power EcoXpert badge certification. While proud of the achievement, Klearchos made it clear that taking on projects of this size is not a decision taken lightly at TEABE, and having support from both their local Schneider Electric office, as well as access to a global network of highly-skilled experts through digital tools like the EcoXpert Exchange Community, enables them to confidently join the ranks of big global firms and delivering integrated system solutions with a personal touch that can only come from a local co
mpany.

Trained and certified by Schneider Electric, our EcoXpert partner companies have some of the highest competencies in the industry: building automation, room and lighting controls solutions, communication network connectivity, power management and intelligent electrical distribution. Companies like TEABE in Greece benefit from earning the Certified EcoXpert status in more than one discipline, enabling them to differentiate themselves from their competitors, win new opportunities, grow their business, and contribute to the next generation of world-class green buildings.

How are you growing your system integration business and enhancing the talent of your employees to win opportunities like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre? Leave a comment below.

Learn more about the benefits the EcoXpert program has to offer and watch the program video for more information.