Z E R O C A R B O N B U I L D I N G
Envisioned in 2010 as Hong Kong’s first zero-emission building, ZCB, is so efficient it returns surplus electricity to the local power grid. However, the humid, subtropical climate presents unique challenges – temperatures range from pleasant in winter to stiflingly hot and humid in summer. ZCB has no need for mechanical heating, but it requires an ingenious ventilation and cooling solution. Installing a typical, inefficient air conditioner would have caused ZCB to be unable to meet the designers’ goal of striking a balance with nature. ZCB is designed for optimum ventilation, but ventilation alone isn’t enough to keep occupants cool in summer. Designers incorporated several active cooling features, including a floor cooling system and a chilled-beam convective air conditioner. ZCB also installed Big Ass Fans – 11 Essence, one Powerfoil X3.0 and six Haiku fans – to further improve ventilation and localized cooling. The system is much more efficient than typical air conditioning, helping ZCB maintain its status as the premier eco- building in Hong Kong.
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