ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΗ ΥΔΡΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΠΟΧΕΤΕΥΣΗΣ ΛΑΜΙΑΣ

The objective of the initiative is to create a modern public building that incorporates the principles of bioclimatic design and energy efficiency, providing high-quality working conditions and citizen services. At the same time, the initiative aims to reduce the building’s energy consumption and environmental impact, lower the company’s operating costs, ensure the rational use of natural resources, and establish a model of sustainable public infrastructure that can serve as a reference point for similar projects in local government and the wider public sector.

The project for the construction of the Bioclimatic Building of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Lamia (D.E.Y.A. Lamias) is addressed to citizens and users of D.E.Y.A. Lamias’ services, the company’s employees and, more broadly, the local community. Through the creation of a modern, energy-efficient public building, the project contributes to improving the quality of services provided, reducing the environmental footprint and promoting the principles of sustainable development.

At the same time, the project serves as an example of good practice for local government, public organizations and the technical community, highlighting the potential for applying bioclimatic design and energy efficiency principles to public infrastructure. The experience gained from the design and implementation of the project can also serve as a reference point for similar future initiatives, gradually contributing to the wider adoption of sustainable practices across the public sector.

The project was designed during the 2005–2006 period with the objective of creating a landmark bioclimatic administrative building that integrates the principles of sustainable architecture, high energy performance, and functional efficiency, while meeting the operational requirements of the Lamia Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company (DEYAL). Construction was carried out between 2010 and 2016, with particular emphasis on construction quality, faithful implementation of the design, and the integration of innovative technologies and bioclimatic strategies to achieve low energy consumption, enhanced environmental performance, and high standards of indoor environmental quality.

The building was completed and became fully operational in 2017. Since then, it has served continuously as the headquarters of DEYAL, demonstrating the long-term success of its original design objectives. Nearly a decade of uninterrupted operation has validated the effectiveness of its architectural and engineering solutions, confirming its ability to consistently meet functional, environmental, and energy performance requirements while maintaining a high-quality working environment.

Today, the building stands as a successful example of sustainable public architecture, illustrating how an integrated bioclimatic design approach can deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits. Its proven operational performance, durability, and contribution to reducing energy consumption and environmental impact highlight its enduring value as a benchmark for contemporary public buildings and sustainable infrastructure.

The Bioclimatic Building of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Lamia (DEYAL) is a landmark public infrastructure project that demonstrates how sustainable design, renewable energy technologies, and innovative engineering can be successfully integrated into public administration facilities.

With a total investment of €5.1 million, the project was fully funded (100%) through the National Strategic Reference Framework under the Operational Programme 'Environment and Sustainable Development' (MIS 448022). The project forms part of a broader strategy to modernize public services while advancing climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

The building accommodates the administrative headquarters and all operational departments of the utility, providing a modern, functional, and energy-efficient workplace while significantly improving the quality of services delivered to citizens.

Strategically located at the eastern entrance of the city of Lamia, the building was conceived as a flagship example of bioclimatic architecture. Its design combines passive and active sustainability measures to minimize energy demand and maximize the use of renewable energy resources. A shallow geothermal system extending approximately 10 km beneath the site supplies the majority of the building's heating and cooling requirements, while 114 kW of photovoltaic installations—integrated both on the roof and within the building façades through photovoltaic glazing—generate almost all of the electricity required for its operation.

The architectural concept emphasizes transparency and the interaction between solid and void, reinforcing the building's public character while optimizing daylight penetration, natural ventilation, and environmental performance. Internal courtyards, landscaped areas, water features, and shaded outdoor spaces create a favorable microclimate that contributes to passive cooling during the summer months and enhances the overall user experience.

Alongside meeting the needs of the organization, the building provides space for social and cultural activities for the residents of the city. It has already hosted the international idea-sharing conference TEDxLamia twice, the three-day Central Hackathon entrepreneurship and innovation competition, as well as numerous conferences and talks.

The aim of the initiative is for the building to function not only as a modern and energy-efficient workplace, but also as an open space that connects D.E.Y.A. Lamias with the wider community. The ability to host cultural, educational, social and other activities strengthens the public character of the building and creates a space for meeting, communication and the exchange of ideas for the benefit of the local community.

The project incorporates a comprehensive range of bioclimatic strategies, including:

• The utilization of the geothermal field beneath the entire site constitutes a particularly innovative element of the building’s design, enabling the coverage of the majority of the new building’s heating and cooling needs through the use of an available natural energy resource.

• Βuilding-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems installed on roofs and façades.
• Optimized building orientation to maximize daylight while minimizing thermal loads.
• Passive solar design and high-performance external shading systems.
• Triple low-emissivity glazing combined with photovoltaic glass.
• Highly insulated building envelope using rock wool insulation and thermally broken aluminum frames.
• Natural ventilation and night cooling strategies.
• Maximization of natural daylight to reduce artificial lighting demand.
• Intelligent Building Management System (BMS) for continuous monitoring and optimization of building performance.
• High-efficiency LED lighting throughout the facility, reducing lighting electricity consumption by up to 60%.

Heating and cooling are provided by two 140 kW geothermal heat pumps connected to a horizontal ground heat exchanger covering almost the entire site. Separate HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) zones allow independent operation of offices, meeting rooms, public service areas, and the conference hall, maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.

The integrated photovoltaic system produces nearly 100% of the building's annual electricity demand through a net-metering scheme, making the facility one of the most energy-efficient public buildings in Greece and resulting in almost zero operational energy costs.

Beyond its environmental performance, the building has evolved into a vibrant civic and cultural hub. In addition to housing the utility's administrative services, it regularly hosts conferences, educational visits, innovation events, and cultural activities, including TEDxLamia and the Central Hackathon, while welcoming schools from across Greece to showcase innovative sustainable building technologies.

Since its completion, the project has attracted significant national and international recognition. It has been featured in architectural publications in Hong Kong, Ecuador, and South Korea, and received the DOMa Awards 2017, where it was recognized among the Top 10 Architectural Projects in Greece.

The Bioclimatic Building of DEYAL demonstrates that public infrastructure can simultaneously achieve architectural excellence, environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and social value. It stands as a replicable model for municipalities and public organizations seeking to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral, resilient, and sustainable public buildings.

The architectural design of the project was developed by VTria Architects, led by architect Vassilis Triantafyllou, in collaboration with architects Ifigenia Triantafyllou and Dimitris Triantafyllou. The structural design was undertaken by civil engineer Nikos Papadopoulos, while the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design was carried out by electrical engineer Giannis Apostolou. The construction of the project was executed by Tzortzis S.A. and Lantern Construction S.A.

The project was implemented by specialized consultants, engineers and contractors, within the framework of public funding and in accordance with the applicable procedures. No volunteers were involved.

The employees of D.E.Y.A. Lamias are the main users and beneficiaries of the new infrastructure, as the entire workforce uses and interacts with the new building on a daily basis. At the same time, the building serves citizens and users of D.E.Y.A. Lamias’ services, who are provided with a modern, functional and welcoming environment. The new infrastructure was designed to improve working conditions, facilitate the company’s day-to-day operations, and enhance the quality of services provided to the public.

The project was implemented in Lamia, within the Regional Unit of Phthiotis, in the Region of Central Greece. The Bioclimatic Building serves as the headquarters of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Lamia (DEYAL), providing improved working conditions for the organization’s employees and enhanced services for local residents within its area of responsibility. At the same time, the building stands as a benchmark for sustainable design and energy-efficient public infrastructure, demonstrating the potential of bioclimatic principles in modern public facilities.

Applying bioclimatic design principles and cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies to the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Lamia (DEYAL) building has yielded measurable energy and environmental advantages.

The key results of the action are reflected in the following indicators:

• Building energy efficiency: The building demonstrates improved energy performance, with reduced heating, cooling, and artificial lighting needs compared to a conventional building of equivalent use.
• Energy savings: A reduction in annual energy consumption is achieved through passive bioclimatic techniques, such as natural lighting, natural ventilation, thermal insulation, and solar protection.
• Environmental footprint reduction: The reduced energy consumption contributes to lowering carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and achieving sustainable development and climate neutrality goals.
• Workplace improvement: The workspaces provide enhanced thermal comfort, better indoor environmental quality, and utilization of natural light, improving conditions for DEYAL employees.
• Beneficiary users: The building serves the staff of DEYAL and the citizens interacting with the Company on a daily basis, offering a modern, functional, and environmentally responsible public building.

Social Impact – Educational Character of the Project
Beyond its functional and energy value, the Bioclimatic Building of DEYAL also functions as a center for information and environmental awareness for the local community.
On an annual basis, approximately five school units visit the building as part of educational visits, during which students have the opportunity to experience firsthand the principles of bioclimatic design, energy-saving practices, and the importance of sustainable natural resource management.
Through these visits, the project gains an additional social role, contributing to informing and raising awareness among the younger generation on issues of environmental protection, energy efficiency, and climate change.

The completion of the Bioclimatic Building for the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Lamia (DEYAL) has significantly boosted the organization’s operational and energy efficiency, creating a modern administrative hub that unifies its services within a single, high-specification facility.

The utilization of the shallow geothermal field, the 114 kW installed capacity photovoltaic system, the Building Management System (BMS), and bioclimatic design principles results in a significant reduction in the building's energy consumption and operating costs. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic system covers almost all of its energy needs, while the use of geothermal energy substantially limits heating and cooling demands, contributing to the reduction of the company's environmental footprint.
At the same time, the project upgraded the image and public outreach of DEYAL, establishing it as an organization that invests in innovation, sustainable development, and environmental responsibility. The building now functions not only as an administrative infrastructure but also as a venue for hosting conferences, educational activities, and events, strengthening the company's connection with the local community and the scientific field.