At Aiguasol, we have supported the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM) in an ambitious, comprehensive refurbishment process aimed at adapting its building to the energy, environmental, and operational challenges of the present and the future. As a strategic partner, our 2030 roadmap has integrated energy efficiency, circular economy principles, renewable self-generation, and advanced monitoring to transform the museum into a benchmark for cultural sustainability.

A data-driven strategy with a life-cycle perspective

The study we have conducted is structured around three complementary phases: efficient building, circular building, and environmental monitoring system. Together, these phases address energy use, circularity approaches, and the monitoring of the building’s environmental performance.

Phase 1 · Efficient building

The museum’s energy model, developed using DesignBuilder and calibrated based on actual consumption data and operational setpoints, has enabled the incorporation of future climate scenarios aligned with IPCC projections. The main improvement measures include:

• Efficient ventilation and heat recovery, achieving up to a 48% reduction in energy demand.
• A hybrid geothermal system integrated with air-to-water heat pumps to maximize HVAC efficiency.
• Rooftop photovoltaic systems as a source of on-site energy generation (with scenarios analysed at 20%, 40% and 60% roof coverage), delivering a payback period of less than 10 years.
• Internal insulation of façades and external roof insulation, optimizing thermal inertia and occupant comfort.

The combined implementation of these strategies would allow for a 30% to 50% reduction in total energy consumption, the avoidance of 298–465 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, and a reduction in total costs (CAPEX + OPEX) of up to threefold compared to the current scenario, with average annual savings of approximately €160,000.

Phase 2 · Circular building

We have defined circularity criteria encompassing efficient energy use, resource management and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. These criteria are complemented by a material selection guide designed to achieve sustainability objectives throughout the entire life cycle of the building.

Phase 3 · Monitoring and performance tracking

To ensure tangible and measurable impact, we have proposed an advanced monitoring and control system that enables the auditing of material use, energy consumption and daily building operation. The necessary indicators and sensors are defined to support continuous tracking of energy and environmental performance.

Detailed design projects: efficient HVAC, water management and PV self-generation

In addition to strategic advisory services, Aiguasol has developed the basic and detailed design projects for several key building systems, strengthening the alignment between design, operation and sustainability objectives.

In the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), we have designed the partial refurbishment of the existing system to improve its energy performance, reliability and adaptability to the museum’s evolving uses. The interventions include the replacement and reinforcement of heat pumps, the integration of thermal buffer tanks to optimize operating cycles, the installation of new air handling units with energy recovery, and hydraulic zoning by areas. This approach enables more precise control based on orientation, use and operating schedules. The entire system is integrated into the existing SCADA platform, facilitating energy management and continuous performance monitoring.

Regarding efficient water management, we have proposed an internal potable water distribution network using cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping, properly insulated to prevent thermal losses and condensation. The drainage system has been designed as a separate system, distinguishing between wastewater and rainwater, with adequate ventilation to ensure proper operation.

Complementarily, we have designed a rainwater harvesting and reuse system conceived as an exemplary measure within the overall refurbishment strategy. The system allows rainwater to be reused as the primary source for irrigating rooftop green areas, through storage tanks and a dedicated pumping system, with mains water used solely as a backup during periods of low rainfall.

We have also developed the detailed design for the rooftop photovoltaic installation at the IVAM, integrating renewable generation across several roof areas of the building. The system includes more than 700 photovoltaic modules arranged in an east–west orientation, achieving an installed peak capacity exceeding 345 kWp. The installation is designed for self-consumption without surplus export, in compliance with Royal Decree 244/2019, and is connected to the building’s internal electrical network, directly contributing to the reduction of energy consumption and associated emissions.

Refurbishing today to secure tomorrow

The roadmap developed demonstrates that sustainability is a strategic, measurable and operational decision. The proposed approach reduces environmental impact, improves operational efficiency, and ensures the long-term economic viability of the IVAM.

At Aiguasol, we believe that culture, innovation, and climate action can advance together. This project has enabled us to support the IVAM in its transformation into a more efficient, circula,r and resilient museum, consolidating its position as a cultural benchmark in sustainability.