France - Energy efficiency

Initial situation:  Besançon with 117,599 inhabitants is the capital city of the Franche-Comté region in Eastern France.  The project “City of Arts and Culture” has been developed within the Regional Operational Programme ¨Franche- Comté¨, Priority:  ¨Regional Competiveness and employment¨.  Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this cultural centre is to host the music, dance and theatre Conservatory of Grand Besançon and the Regional Fund for Contemporary Art. It aims to facilitate access to arts and culture for artists and citizens, to support creativity and research in this field

Improvements / Energy Saving Measures:  
The new “City of Arts and Culture” was implemented from 2006 to 2012, respecting low energy standards and integrating renewable energy technologies.and to go beyond common energy and environmental standards. The project was initiated by the Urban Community of Grand Besançon, the Regional Council of Franche-Comté and the City of Besançon in cooperation with its departmental and national partners.
The centre will be the first low energy cultural centre of this size in France certified with the widely recognised performance labels – “Effinergie” and “High Environmental Quality”. It integrates energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies such as insulation, photovoltaic panels, heat pump, natural ventilation and lighting. Natural materials were selected taking into account their whole life cycle and impact on environment, air quality and user´s health.
Key Benefits:  High quality Building Boosts Art and Culture, Building comfort for artists and visitors, certified energy performance labels.

Project:   http://citedesartsetdelaculture.fr
Operational Programme:   http://europe-franche-comte.fr/feder.php

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