Singapore showcases its first Zero Energy Building

Juniper Foo | Oct 27, 2009

(Credit: MND)

Going by the axiom that action speaks louder than words, the Singapore authorities have on Monday unveiled the country's first Zero Energy Building as a project to test the waters. The Government has tasked itself with developing green technologies to meet the goal of making 80 percent of all buildings in the island state green by 2030.

This is also the first such green building in Southeast Asia.

As the Zero Energy Building claim shouts, the 4,500sqm structure is expected to produce as much electricity as it uses, besides consuming half less energy than a non-eco building. Savings-wise, that's S$84,000 (US$60,610.43) a year recouped on electricity. Cost-wise, the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) spent S$11 million (US$7.86 million) retrofitting this former academy building, which it says cost just 5 percent more than conventional ones.

Here're what's helping to make this a Zero Energy Building:

Solar-Assisted Stack Ventilation System: Solar chimney and ducts pull out hot air, while letting cool air flow in for natural ventilation.
Floor diffusers: These supply cool air which, once warm, will rise to vents in the ceiling to be removed.
More energy-efficient air-conditioning: This detects carbon dioxide levels and lowers fan speed when fewer people are around.
Personalized ventilation: Air-conditioning around each desk is adjustable according to individual needs.
Efficient lighting: Eco-friendly fluorescent lamps which cut power usage by 26 percent.
Dimmers & motion sensors: These control artificial lighting in the building based on the day and number of people around.
Passive daylight solutions: Where sunlight is directed via light pipes to illuminate the interior of the building.
Greenery system: Roof garden and wall plants help cut heat transmission into the building.
Shading devices: These work hand-in-hand with the greenery system to cut heat transmission.
High-performance glazing: Treated glass also reduce glare and thus heat entering into the building, as well as tap the sun's energies.
Photovoltaic technology: Solar panels fitted on the roof, sides, staircase façade and carpark shelter help harvest the sun's rays. BCA claims the panels can generate about 207,000kWh a year, sufficient to power 30 four-room HDB flats over that time frame.

To date, only about 5 percent of buildings in Singapore are green, according to BCA. To achieve its target, the Government has slated S$500 million (US$357.5 million) to be used over the next decade to green public buildings. Another S$100 million (US$71.5 million) will be handed out as incentives for private buildings to retrofit themselves with eco-friendly features.

More pictures here.

Via AsiaOne

Filed under: Green Tech
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