By Lynda Myer
While at the H41 Sill-Pfons site of the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) the roof of the electrical substation is due to be green in more ways than one, in order to increasing the environmental compatibility of the project area, at BBT’s H41 Sill Gorge-Pfons site, where the tubbing ring segments are produced directly on the construction site, saving approx 27,000 lorry transports, there has been another careful choice.
As part of an agreement with the Innsbruck municipal company IKB (Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe), the power substation at the H41 Sill-Pfons Gorge construction site was built in 2018-2019 in what was at that time the H33 Tulfes-Pfons construction lot and now is divided into two separate parts.
Considering that the transformers and switchboards for rail traction are slated to be installed in the half of the building used by the BBT, then they will supply power during the outfitting phase and during the operational phase of the tunnel. The half used by IKB, on the other hand, has already been supplying the neighbouring city of Innsbruck with electricity for some years.
Due to the vegetation planted the roof of the power substation is green and it is a special feature, whereas this is no accident, but rather a specific design choice. In fact, the roof provides several environmental benefits thanks to the plants on it.
Decreasing mitigation as compared to a conventional roof during the summer and increased thermal insulation during the winter, as well as energy savings and reduced air pollution due to oxygen production, are the advantages of this design. In addition, this green roof can reduce noise pollution and limit the speed of water runoff, which is particularly useful during heavy rainfall.
According to Ivan Zamberlan, lot controller at the H41 Sill-Pfons Gorge construction site: “Nature and biodiversity are not secondary issues for the Brenner Base Tunnel project. In addition to the Ahrental tubbing ring factory, this other design choice in this project area helps to preserve the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the fruitful cooperation between BBT SE and IKB allows both companies to effectively pursue their goals, to the benefit of all citizens and the future generations who will live in the project area.”
