Singapore is home to the first retrofitted zero-energy building in southeast Asia. Zero energy means a building is able to create more energy than it uses.
Located on the campus of the BCA Academy, this former three-story workshop has been converted into a self-sustaining building that practically powers itself through an architectural method called passive design. It uses green technology and natural light to drastically lower energy costs.
The Zero Energy building is being tested as a model for energy-efficient structures throughout the country in order to help meet Singapore's mandate that at least 80 percent of its buildings become green certified by 2030.
Solar panels
These solar panels, also known as Silicon Wafers, are one of the many items that had to be retrofitted to this former workshops. Compared to a typical office building in Singapore, this zero energy building would save an estimated $84,000 a year in energy costs.
Source: BCA
Solar chimneys
These structures improve the fresh air exchange rate by 11 times by extracting heat from the room and then converting it into cleaner, usable air. It also facilitates cross ventilation and brings in more natural sunlight.
Source: BCA
Low energy cooling system
An intricate system of fans cools the air as it rises towards the solar chimney. The fans are regulated by an internal system that sensors the heat in each room.
Source: BCA
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