Energy efficiency has become a key pillar for competitiveness and sustainability in the industrial sector. In a context of ecological transition, stricter regulations, and rising energy costs, improving energy use is not only a responsible strategy, but also a real competitive advantage.
In Viarium we have expert advisors certified in BREEAM and have developed this guide to explain what energy efficiency in infrastructure is, what types exist, their benefits, and specific examples of application.
What is energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency in infrastructure refers to the ability of a built structure or system to perform its function with the lowest possible energy consumption, without affecting its performance, safety, or durability.
It involves optimizing processes, adopting modern technologies, reducing losses, and transforming consumption habits within plants, supply chains, or logistics networks. It is a cross-cutting concept that affects the engineering design, the infrastructure management, organizational culture, and business strategy.
Types of energy efficiency in infrastructure
Energy efficiency can be approached from different perspectives. These dimensions allow for a comprehensive assessment of the potential for improvement in any infrastructure project.
Technical energy efficiency
It focuses on improving the physical performance of systems and facilities. It includes the application of modern technologies, automation, and innovative materials. Some examples of this approach are:
- Incorporation of LED lighting in tunnels, stations, or public buildings.
- Installation of geothermal air conditioning systems in institutional buildings.
- Efficient thermal insulation in heavily used infrastructure such as hospitals or logistics centers.
Economic energy efficiency
Evaluates the relationship between energy consumption and the operating cost of the infrastructure, with the aim of maximizing profitability in the medium and long term. Among the most common measures are:
- Use of sensors to adjust energy consumption based on actual demand.
- Implementation of energy management systems (EMS) to reduce operating costs.
- Optimization of maintenance to extend the service life of energy equipment.
Environmental energy efficiency
Its objective is to reduce the environmental impact resulting from energy consumption. Priority is given to the use of clean energy, reducing polluting emissions, and responsible design. Examples:
- Integration of solar panels in stations, parking lots, or roofs of public buildings.
- Use of low energy impact materials in construction.
- Environmental certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, or Passivhaus applied to public and private projects.
Benefits of energy efficiency in infrastructure
Applying energy efficiency criteria to infrastructure not only improves its operational performance, but also has a positive economic, social, and environmental impact.
A well-designed strategy can have positive effects in multiple areas: from accounting to production, social responsibility, and legal compliance. Having sustainable infrastructure, positions the company on a path of continuous innovation and technological adaptation.
Here are some of the most significant advantages:
- Long-term financial savings: Lower energy consumption means lower operating costs.
- Emissions reduction: cleaner infrastructure that is aligned with climate goals.
- Regulatory compliance: adaptation to local, national, and European regulatory frameworks.
- Added value for users: improved comfort, accessibility, and functionality.
- Reputation and sustainability: strengthening the institutional or corporate image among users and investors.
Furthermore, applying this approach to public infrastructure generates a multiplier effect on citizens and serves as a benchmark for the private sector.
Examples of energy efficiency in infrastructure
Energy efficiency principles are already being applied in numerous infrastructure projects around the world, especially in sectors such as transportation, construction, water management, and energy.
Some notable cases are:
- Smart train stations with adaptive lighting, efficient ventilation, and centralized energy management.
- Bridges and road infrastructure that integrate photovoltaic technology for self-sufficient electricity supply.
- Hospitals or logistics centers with advanced heat recovery and thermal efficiency systems.
- Public lighting networks that use sensors and time programming to minimize consumption.
- Sports and educational facilities designed to Passivhaus, BREEAM, or LEED standards, significantly reducing their energy footprint.
Energy efficiency applied to infrastructure is not an option, but a necessity in today's context. Investing in efficient infrastructure means building the future: more livable cities, more sustainable services, and a more resilient economy.
Committing to efficiency is not just a technical decision, but a vision for the future aligned with innovation, global competitiveness, and environmental commitment. Hence the relocation of our headquarters to a LEED Gold-certified building to reaffirm our commitment.
Below are some of the most significant projects carried out by Viarium in the field of energy efficiency in infrastructure:
-Project Management of investments in electric vehicle charging points in the Aena airport network
-Development of the Strategic Plan for the maintenance of Aena's airport assets
-Infrastructure design in accordance with the highest energy efficiency standards and subsequent BREEAM Sustainable Building Certification, including:
New T123 terminal building at Barajas Airport – Madrid
Renovation of the terminal building at Tenerife South Airport
New headquarters for Aena central services
Adaptation of the terminal building at César Manrique Airport in Lanzarote
Adaptation of the Terminal building at El Prat Airport – Barcelona
-Energy audit of 20 airports
-Technical inspection service for the energy efficiency assessment of 200 Adif buildings, as well as the subsequent drafting of renovation projects.
-Technical assistance for SIEB/SATE systems at Aena airports
-Construction management of renewable energy installations, photovoltaic plants, for the self-supply of a desalination plant in Fuerteventura.
-Construction management of renewable energy installations, photovoltaic plants, for remote control of the irrigation network in El Golfo, El Hierro.
-Project management of the renovation of the energy system in 29 buildings on the Madrid–Barcelona–Figueras high-speed rail line to improve energy efficiency.