SINGAPORE CASE STUDY NET ZERO ENERGY OFFICE TOWER

 

As a small city-state, energy independence is a critical concern for Singapore.  Development of net-zero energy and net-zero water buildings is made especially difficult by the hot humid climate and dense urban development of Singapore.  The case study, commissioned by a Singapore development company, looks at unique strategies to achieve net-zero performance while remaining competitive in the market.

 

Meeting net-zero goals starts with efficiency.  The building orientation and massing is driven by solar shading and daylighting requirements.  Creating outdoor terraces at the midpoint and roof levels allows for natural ventilation.  The large roof area, in addition to serving as a photovoltaic platform, is a rainwater catchment to meet building and site water needs.

 

A holistic, closed loop building system ties the various strategies together in this high performance building.  Energy generation includes fuel cell technology powered by palm industry biowaste.  Heat from the fuel cell recharges the desiccant dehumidification and charges the return ventilation stack.

 

Project completed as Project Designer at RNL.