Existing buildings on course for sustainability

Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main is one of Germany’s largest universities and aims to become climate-neutral in its operations as soon as possible. The energy modernization of the Biocenter at the Riedberg campus shows how existing buildings can be efficiently upgraded for sustainability.

Efficiency and sustainability through energy upgrades

With around 48,000 students, five city locations and buildings over a century old, implementing sustainable operations requires comprehensive solutions. The recent modernization of ventilation and air-conditioning systems at the Riedberg campus shows the potential of targeted energy upgrades.

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In focus: Biocenter at the Riedberg campus

Built in the 1990s, the Biocenter at the Riedberg Campus, which houses the natural sciences faculties, comprises seven buildings with a total area of around 71,000 square meters. Its annual energy costs have so far been in the single-digit millions. The main cause has been the outdated ventilation technology, which accounted for over 80% of heat consumption and more than 50% of electricity consumption. With a comprehensive plan for modernizing the energy efficiency of the ventilation and air conditioning systems, the university aims to reduce energy costs and CO₂ emissions in the interests of greater sustainability.

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Impressive results

€ 236k annual energy cost savings

The first modernized building saved nearly two thirds of thermal energy and over half the electricity used by its ventilation systems compared to the previous year. Annual energy cost savings are estimated at €236,000.

50% subsidised by the state of Hesse

The project makes a significant contribution to the climate protection plan of the state of Hesse. It therefore received a 50% subsidy as part of the Hesse CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency program.

4 years until full amortization

The energy modernization of the ventilation and air conditioning systems will pay for itself in just a few years thanks to the energy cost savings that result from the increase in efficiency in combination with state subsidies.

The extent of the efficiency improvement and cost savings has significantly exceeded our expectations and shows the potential offered by energy modernization in existing buildings.

Gabi Lilienthal, Team Leader Technical Building Services, Goethe University Frankfurt

An end-to-end modernization plan

Together with Siemens and other project partners, Goethe University developed a comprehensive plan for the energy modernization of the Biocenter. Ventilation and air-conditioning systems and the measurement, instrumentation and control technology in buildings are now being modernized step by step.

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Control cabinet modernization

Control cabinet modernization was structured to save space, with compact input and output modules in line with the current TX-IO standard. In conjunction with the new Desigo PXC automation stations, this leads to greater operational reliability.

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Demand-controlled supply and exhaust air

Equipping the special exhaust air fans in the fume cupboards with EC motors and motors with frequency converters ensures demand-driven exhaust air functionality. The air exchange rates are adapted to the actual room requirements using demand-based control strategies for the supply and exhaust air systems and presence sensors in the laboratories.

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Heat recovery

A newly installed heat recovery system was connected to the existing Desigo building management system via BACnet coupling.

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Accompanying services

A customized service package consisting of traditional maintenance and digital services together with professional energy data management is rounding out the energy modernization measures.

Connected building technologies

We combine HVAC technology with digital solutions to support teaching, research and campus operations. By monitoring and optimizing building performance, we help universities reduce energy use, improve indoor comfort and ensure reliable operation across diverse academic facilities.

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Desigo PXC controllers and TX-I/O™ modules

High performing building automation for all buildings.

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Building services

With an outcome-based approach, our broad onsite and remote service portfolio provides a solid foundation to enhance your buildings’ operations and maintenance.

HVAC products

Siemens HVAC solutions boost energy efficiency, comfort and productivity. Innovative designs simplify installation and commissioning, enhance building performance and IAQ and deliver durable solutions for buildings of any size.

Explore further higher education topics

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Solution field

Campus sustainability for higher education

Advance campus sustainability, combine smart building technology and data-driven analytics to cut energy and waste while creating healthy, resilient learning spaces.

A historical building with a clock tower and a large arched entrance at Morgan State University.

Morgan State University, US

Charting a path towards a smarter future

Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore, MD, is collaborating with Siemens to become a smart, connected campus of the future. Digital technologies help improve efficiency, sustainability and resilience across the university.

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FALLSTUDIE

University of East London

Vereinigtes Königreich

Die gemeinsam mit Siemens entwickelte Net-Zero-Roadmap bringt die University of East London auf Kurs, ihr ambitioniertes Ziel zu erreichen. Nach der Reduzierung der CO₂-Emissionen richtet sich der Fokus nun auf nachhaltige Energieerzeugung.

Sustainability gains for your campus

The successful energy modernization of the Biocenter at the Riedberg campus highlights the many ways in which a university campus can increase efficiency and sustainability.

Are you also facing the challenge of developing existing buildings into more sustainable buildings? Let’s evaluate the options together and develop the strategies you need.

The team of experts: Thorsten Ambron (Project Manager, Siemens), Marco-Oliver Dittmar (Senior Sales Representative, Siemens), Gabi Lilienthal (Team Leader Technical Building Services, Goethe University Frankfurt), Jens Sommer (Systems Engineer, EBC)