What makes it eco-friendly
HERE’S a quick rundown on what makes 99L, Jalan Tandok, environmentally friendly. > Maximising natural daylight: The entire north-west facade is clear glass while skylights above the straight-flight stairs within light up the south-east. More than 50% of the space is illuminated with natural light that streams in through large glass openings and skylights. > Maximising natural ventilation and thermal comfort: Openings are crafted on all sides of the building to facilitate cross ventilation. A stack ventilation effect – also the chimney effect, referring to the air movement into and out of a structure – is created using stepped (ie, multilevel) atriums with wide openings. All public and circulation spaces are naturally ventilated, including lift lobbies, escape staircases, toilets, and the sub-basement. > Reusing existing structure: The previous four-storey structure has been retained and incorporated into the new building, reducing the use of new building materials. The cafeteria, exhibition spaces, auditorium, storage space, training room, and prayer rooms occupy the old structure. Also, the building process used recycled content, regional materials, and materials with low levels of harmful volatile organic compounds. > Reducing heat gain and glare: Egg crate-like sun shading devices and blinds installed on the northwest facade prevent glare and reduce the amount of heat penetrating into the office spaces. The shading cuts down 60% of the solar radiation reaching the facade glazing.
Trees planted in break out spaces also help reduce glare and shade the north-west facade. Also, the cold air trapped during the night in the building’s south-east-facing concrete wall is naturally released in the morning, helping to further cool down the building.
> Saving energy: A high COP (coefficient of performance) value VRF (variable refrigerant flow) air-conditioning system reduces energy consumption. Also, the building automation system has an energy management element to improve energy consumption and user-friendliness by controlling general lighting via photo and motion sensors, energy monitoring via digital power metres, water usage monitoring via digital water metres, and educational displays and analyses of the building’s energy performance.
> Using renewable energy: A 25kWp solar photo voltaic system is installed on the roof terrace.
> Saving water: Water-efficient fittings result in 55% of water savings. Also, all water requirements for flushing and irrigation is fully met by a rainwater harvesting system.
> Green surrounds: Trees planted in tubs within the building on all floors help absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Vertical greenery and herb gardens are also in place for human comfort and consumption respectively.
> Waste management: On-site composting allows building users to become involved in and educated about organic waste processing and to contribute to the building’s landscape sustainability. > Promoting a green lifestyle: Hybrid vehicle charging stations and bicycle racks outside the building encourage greener modes of transportation.