Benefits of Green Office Building
The energy sector is the largest
contributor to Hong Kong’s carbon
dioxide emissions, being responsible
for about 97% of the total carbon
dioxide emissions, most of which
come from electricity generation.
Using sustainable energy can help to
minimise the environmental impact
of energy production and use,
and promote the efficient use and
conservation of energy. Though its
usage is subject to various constraints
(such as space and initial capital
cost) and its application is usually not
more than 1% of the total building
consumption, it can improve public
health and environmental quality by
limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
There is a vast and inexhaustible
energy supply if we use renewable
energy. This points us to the road of
sustainable development.
Green Strategies for Office Building
z
Use of Photovoltaic Panel (PV
panel) or BIPV systems
z
Use of wind energy
z
Use of district cooling systems
z
Use of solar thermal energy for
power (electricity) generation
and water heating
z
Bio-diesel tri-generation
Sustainable Energy
Overview for Office Building
During the consideration of design and planning, applying the concept of innovative techniques can bring advantages to
the buildings, including commonly known renewable energy techniques, such as wind energy and solar thermal energy.
Use of PV panel systems may also be considered.
It has been found that solar PV technologies are potentially suitable for wide scale application in Hong Kong, given the
abundant solar resource and the dense nature of our urban built environment. On the other hand, solar thermal power
(electricity) generation and solar water heating could be pursued as site-specific applications on a case-by-case basis.
The resource potential of wind energy could be significant in Hong Kong, with a theoretical resource from urban wind
turbines for the whole of Hong Kong estimated at between 2 and 3 TWh/yr. This is equivalent to between 5% to 8% of
Hong Kong’s annual electricity demand. However, individual machines in urban areas have several design issues which
must be addressed prior to proceeding, such as safety, building stability, foundation stability, noise and vibration impact.
2
Figure 3.3.1 Photovoltaic panels installed
on roof
(Source: Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks
Corporation)
DESIGN STAGE
3.3.2 Sustainable Energy
Figure 3.3.2 Bio-diesel Tri-generation
(Source: Construction Industry Council)
DESIGN STAGE
3.3.2 Sustainable Energy
Office
BUILDING
Office
BUILDING
Case study of Zero
Carbon Building:
Solar Energy
Polycrystalline and Building Integrated
Photovoltaic (BIPV).
PV converts solar energy directly into
electricity which supplements the supply
of electricity to meet the demand of office
operations.
Polycrystalline PV is relatively cheaper
with higher efficiency while BIPV could be
integrated with the building envelope as a
cost effective solution.
Bio-diesel Tri-generation
(Comprises bio-diesel generator, adsorption
chiller, desiccant dehumidification).
Bio-diesel tri-generation makes use of
bio-fuel made from waste cooking oil for
combined cooling, heating and power
generation for office operations.
R
1.
2.
Figure 3.3.3 Solar Panel of Zero Carbon Building
(Source: Construction Industry Council)
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