Torre Efisa: Ground-Source Innovation in the Heart of A Coruña

In A Coruña, Spain, a comprehensive energy refurbishment has been carried out at the La Torre Efisa complex, an iconic set of residential and commercial buildings constructed in the 1970s.

This project serves as a benchmark for urban sustainability, demonstrating how the integration of efficient technologies can transform historic buildings into modern, comfortable, and low-consumption spaces.

The Heart of the System: ecoGEO HP⁺  Heat Pumps

At the core of this installation are two ecoGEO HP⁺ 20-85 kW ground-source heat pumps, installed in cascade and capable of supplying up to 200 kW of thermal energy for heating and domestic hot water (DHW) production.

Designed for high energy demands, the ecoGEO HP⁺ 20-85 kW units stand out for their versatility, reliability, and extremely high efficiency, being able to manage up to four different heat sources. This flexibility allows optimisation of energy capture according to climatic conditions and the building’s requirements.

For each kWh of electricity consumed, the heat pumps generate between 3 and 5 kWh of useful thermal energy, resulting in outstanding seasonal performance and virtually zero energy cost when combined with solar power.

The heat pumps are supplied by eight AU22 air units from Ecoforest, ensuring stable performance throughout the year, even under adverse conditions.

This hybrid system, combining ground-source and air-source energy, replaces traditional ground-source wells with high-efficiency air-source collection, simplifying installation and reducing construction costs. 

In this way, the characteristic performance of ground-source technology is maintained with a more versatile and sustainable solution, maximising overall system efficiency and significantly reducing energy consumption.

The installation is complemented by 209 BIPV photovoltaic panels from Onyx Solar, with a total capacity of 125 kW, architecturally integrated under an innovative solar vertical garden.

The energy generated by these panels directly powers the heat pumps, achieving a completely self-sufficient system based on renewable energy.

Additionally, the system includes four 5,000 litre thermal storage tanks, acting as thermal batteries to store produced energy and optimise system operation throughout the day.

Intelligent Management

Control and monitoring of the installation are carried out via the ecoSMART platform, which integrates three key solutions:

• ecoSMART easynet, for remote supervision and maintenance. 
• ecoSMART Supervisor, for cascade management of the heat pumps. 
• ecoSMART e-source, for intelligent control of air-source collection. 

Thanks to this digital management, the system operates optimally, reducing consumption, costs, and emissions.

Savings, efficiency, and financing

The system utilises the Energy Savings Certificates (CAEs) scheme, which allows the monetisation of savings and reinvestment in new efficiency measures, establishing a circular financing model that rewards sustainability and promotes the energy transition.

As a result of this project, residents have achieved a 50% reduction in their energy bills, from €1,400 per year to just €700. Additionally, the refurbishment reduces heating demand by over 75% and CO₂ emissions by 90%, making La Torre Efisa a real-life example of large-scale energy efficiency.

A Benchmark for Sustainable Refurbishment in A Coruña

The La Torre Efisa complex consists of seven towers ranging from 6 to 24 floors, housing 181 residential apartments and 72 commercial units, built on the former site of the Estrella Galicia factory. In total, over 180 families and numerous businesses directly benefit from cleaner, more efficient, and comfortable heating and cooling.

The completion ceremony was attended by Inés Rey García, Mayor of A Coruña, alongside several housing councillors and municipal representatives. The event highlighted La Torre Efisa’s role as one of the city’s most emblematic energy refurbishment projects, emphasising the importance of such initiatives in improving comfort, efficiency, and residents’ quality of life.