"The 21st century is being, and will be, the electric century".

"We are living at a time when our consumption habits are being modified, especially in recent months due to the increase in the cost of energy", says Sara Dorregaray, a researcher at the University's Chair Saltoki Foundation. Among these changes in habits, the researcher points out, are making investments in home insulation or opting for an energy self-consumption system, such as the installation of solar panels.

César Martín-Gómez, director of the Chair Saltoki Foundation and Full Professor of the School of ArchitectureThe 20th century was a century in which oil and gas played a leading role, but the 21st century is being, and will be, the electric century," he says. Taking this context into account, the professor explains, when deciding to opt for the use of photovoltaic panels as a self-consumption system, it is necessary to take into account a series of variables. For example, he explains, "deciding what to do with the energy I accumulate, selling it and obtaining economic compensation, or accumulating it, or sharing the surplus energy with others".

This self-consumption model, says the professor, "requires professionals, whether architects, engineers or property managers with up-to-date knowledge in a changing market and with constantly evolving technologies". "Social awareness is necessary, but even more so that of the technician, managerof the society of the future", stresses researcher Sara Dorregaray.

trainingand updateat Building

goalWith the aim of responding to this demand, the ChairSaltoki Foundation is offering the first updatecourse at Building, aimed at professionals interested in keeping up to date with the integration ofnew techniques and technologies in architecture and town planning. This is the first course organised by Chair, with the participation of School of Architectureand the Saltoki Foundation.
This course is divided into four modules, lasting approximately 3 hours, which can be followed in person and online. The first module, which will take place on 19 May, will deal with photovoltaic solar energy and electric vehicle charging point installations; the second will be held on 23 June and will deal with aspects related to thermal envelopes; the third, on 15 September, will focus on how to guarantee optimum indoor air quality; and, finally, the fourth modulewill be held on 7 October and will deal with aerothermal energy, a technology that is becoming more and more common.

It is necessary to register for the course through the website of the ChairSaltoki Foundation. The cost of the course is 100 euros.