The Zero Energy Building (ZEB) at the BCA Academy is the first existing building in Singapore and South-East Asia to be classified as a zero energy building, completely self sufficient in meeting its electricity needs. The project has also won the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, the highest award accorded to environmentally sustainable development.
Beca provides project management and Green Mark consultancy for the project, as well as civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services.
The ZEB serves as a test bed for the integration of green building technologies and design features in existing buildings. Retrofitted at a cost of S$11 million, the three-storey building houses fully functioning offices, classrooms and a resource centre, and has been designed to enable professionals and students to study the latest developments in green technology first-hand.
With the objective meeting net zero energy consumption, an emphasis has been placed on maximising natural ventilation and daylighting. ZEB is backed up by a vast array of roof-mounted solar panels to power office equipment, air-conditioning and lighting. Other Green features include solar-assisted stack ventilation systems, mirror ducts to reflect sunlight into the building and high performance glazing.
The ZEB is expected to be about 40-50% more efficient than similar office buildings. Although connected to the grid, the building is expected to generate as much electricity as it consumes over a typical year.
The launch of the ZEB forms part of the Singapore Government's plans to achieve Green Mark certified standard for 80 per cent of buildings by 2030 via targeted education initiatives and financial incentives.