Application - Zero-Energy Building in Singapore!

Fascinating, I should say. This building, which is supposed to be completed this year, has a net energy consumption of ZERO throughout a year as it will generate as much electricity as it uses. Located at Bradell road, the zero-energy building (ZEB) serves to promote green technology in Singapore.

The electricity generated using solar energy from the installed solar panels will be used to power much of the building's artificial lights, office equipment and air-conditioning. Due to 60% of the utility bill usually going to the air-conditioning of the building, Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) is working with NUS to develop ventilation strategies.

There are a few, but I am just going to name some here such as the Personalised Ventilation System which will detect the rooms that are occupied and channel fresh air inside. Recycled air will be used for ambient cooling. For non air-conditioned rooms, solar chimneys will be installed to draw warm air from within the room. Using the phenomenon of warm air rise, cool air sinks, this convection of the air will improve natural ventilation by 11 times the rate of air replacement (meaning that the room will be 11 times as fast in cooling down).

Although the cost of construction is 10% more than normal office buildings, and the cost will only be recovered in 12 years time, it is a rare industry that can recover its cost over time.