The boutique CLT Factory in Solsona consists of a large 8,000 sqm factory volume and a terraced roof that accommodates offices, amenities, green spaces and the covered living area.
Through this module the fundamentals of energy and power in buildings, including relevant systems and user profiles for energy consumption have been analyzed. This allowed a further study in implementing energy-efficient design and strategies for the Boutique CLT Factory.
Sunny Design Results:
Biomass Energy: Combined Heat and Power
A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant generates electricity and heat simultaneously from a single fuel source, such as biomass. It first burns or gasifies biomass to produce high-temperature gases, which drive a turbine or generator to create electricity. The waste heat from this process is then captured and used for industrial heating, drying, or district heating instead of being lost. This makes CHP much more efficient than traditional power plants, achieving up to 80–90% energy efficiency. It can run on various fuels, including wood waste, biogas, or crop residues, making it a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.
Pros of CHP:
✅ High Efficiency – Up to 90% energy utilization.
✅ Lower Emissions – Reduces CO₂ compared to separate heat and power.
✅ Cost Savings – Cuts fuel costs by using waste heat.
Cons of CHP:
❌ High Initial Cost – Expensive to install.
❌ Fuel Supply Dependence – Requires a steady biomass source.
❌ Complex System – Needs regular maintenance and skilled operation.
Biomass Energy: Briquettes
On average 75 million m3 of sawdust is created per year from sawmills (3). However, this can be used as biofuel in two main ways:
Pyrolysis of sawdust, which is burning it at extreme temperatures to create a gas, or pelletizing it into “briquettes”. (1)
“The production of 1 ton pellets needs the about 7 bulk m³ sawdust with the moisture content around 50-55%” (3)
“The average homeowner will need 2 to 3 tons of wood pellets to heat their home annually, according to the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI)” (4)
Pros:
✅ Low Cost – Simple technology with minimal investment.
✅ Efficient Heat Production – High energy density and clean burn on site.
✅ Waste Reduction – Uses sawmill byproducts effectively.
Cons:
❌ No Electricity Generation – Only produces heat.
❌ Manual Handling – Requires storage, drying, and feeding.
❌ Air Pollution – Can emit particulates without proper filtration.
Energy Model
Energy Consumption
Heating —49 kWh/m²
Cooling — 27 kWh/m²
Interior Lighting—16 kWh/m²
Equipment Load — 53 kWh/m²
Water System —20 kWh/m²
Energy Use Intensity — 165 kWh/m²
Total — 1,102,200 kWh (165 x 6680 Floor Area Using Energy in m²)
