The HVAC system is one of the innovative features in the building. In addition to being energy and water efficient, the design aimed to prioritise the thermal comfort, productivity and health of the occupants.

The building sector accounts for more than 25% of the energy consumption for the City. Out of that, HVAC systems in a typical building accounts for about 30% ~ 60% of the overall building energy use.

The HVAC system at the d-school building includes various aspects in its design and implementation as a primary target for energy efficiency and peak load reduction:

• Mixed-mode ventilation with 100% outside air and no re-circulation component for energy efficiency and better indoor air quality
• Radiant cooling and heating via TABS
• Tempered outside air instead of mixed air-conditioning
• Air-cooled chillers with adiabatic condensers, thereby reducing the need for water for heat rejection
• Openable windows and doors to allow for natural ventilation and control of local thermal environment by occupants

GREEN STAR CREDITS

• IEQ-01 – Ventilation

The aim of this credit is to encourage and recognise designs that provide ample amounts of good quality outside air to counteract build-up of indoor pollutants.

• IEQ-09 – Thermal Comfort

The aim of this credit is to encourage and recognise buildings that achieve a high level of thermal comfort.

• ENE-01 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The aim of this credit is to encourage and recognise designs that minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption.

• ENE-11 – Unoccupied Spaces

The aim of this credit is to encourage and recognise designs that minimise or eliminate energy use for spaces when unoccupied.

• WAT-01 – Potable water

The aim of this credit is to encourage and recognise building design that minimises potable water consumption.