Best practice

The design and construction of the HIREKIN building

Focus area

Environmental sustainability

Name of university

Mondragon Unibertsitatea​

Brief description

The newly constructed HIREKIN building is a space aimed at promoting sustainable industrial entrepreneurship activities. In its design and construction, several environmental aspects were considered to make the building sustainable, including waste management, ecosystem management, attainment of the ERAS certificate, use of environmentally sustainable materials, reduction of energy demand and energy generation, and water efficiency and closing the water cycle (drinking water / grey water). 

Duration of project/activity

2022-2024

Department

Faculty of Engineering

Objectives

Sustainable design and construction of the new building, HIREKIN. 

Outcomes

  • Management of waste from pre-existing buildings (wire drawing and surface treatment factories, included in the inventory of soils that support or have supported potentially soil-polluting activities or installations), recovery operations have been favoured: 2,265,449 kg (99.62%) compared to disposal operations of 8,560 kg (0.38%).
  • Revegetation of the banks of the river Aramaio with autochthonous species from the Cantabrian alder grove series and, in the rest, autochthonous species from the surrounding vegetation series.
  • Protection of the long-legged frog, cave bat and European mink (Mustela Lutreola).
  • As much soil as possible has been reused from: the topsoil layer of Gautxori; the excavated earth (4,410 m3) on the site of the development after an exploratory investigation of soil quality and an excavation and environmental control plan; new contribution of topsoil of higher quality from a nearby construction site (Arrasate-Mondragon football pitch); and inclusion of elements (street furniture, paving or narrowing of lanes) to semi-pedestrianise Calle Uribe.
  • Attainment of the ERAS Certificate (qualification label of the environmental sustainability of building in the Basque Country), promoted by the Basque Government, channelled by IHOBE. The focus is on the sustainability of the building in its design phase, where 100 measures in different environmental aspects are assessed and scored according to compliance.
  • Use of environmentally sustainable materials: reusable, both on site (formwork, scaffolding, etc.) and in the building itself (partitions, floors, ceilings, etc.); recycled (steel, incorporation of between 10 and 30% recycled aggregates); recyclable (steel, wood, concrete, etc.), biodegradable (wooden structure in the hall, etc.); with dual use and environmental performance (CO2 collectors in the urbanisation pavement); and autochthonous.
  • Reduction of energy demand and energy generation: Integration of solar panels on roofs more than 10% above the requirements of the technical building code (CTE); improvement of the efficiency of installations and low emission, and use of smart systems: sensors or timers for passage areas, movement sensors, automatic system for regulating the artificial interior light according to the amount of incident daylight; shaded outdoor spaces and adaptation of the building to local climatic conditions: A study of shadows cast on outdoor surfaces has been carried out with reference to the solar position of the equinox (21 March) and at least 20% of the paved surface is shaded (large, covered access); reduction of the heat island effect; the entire building is flooded with natural light; installation of charging points for electric vehicles (bicycles, scooters or cars) far in excess of what is required by CTE regulations (167%); 100% LED lighting; and incorporation of a heat recovery system from the Uribarri Foundry belonging to Fagor Ederlan, S.Coop., with 2,000 kW of heating power.
  • Water efficiency and closing the water cycle (drinking water/greywater): meters and consumption measuring equipment by zones/processes; rainwater network by means of a roof tank for use in toilets (30%); rainwater harvesting on green roofs to reduce roof irrigation water; pressure regulation in supply systems; implementation of leak detection systems in the water supply network; and installation of equipment, devices and systems that allow and encourage water saving whilst using the building (dual flush toilets).

Challenges and solutions

Sustainable design and construction of the new building, HIREKIN. 

Key stakeholders

  • Building users
  • The Municipality
  • Local residents 
  • Nearby businesses

More information

HIREKIN project wesbite

HIREKIN: Centro de innovación y emprendimiento para una transformación industrial sostenible