High Performing Buildings - Spring 2009 - (Page 48) generation capacity to approximately 7.9 MWh/year. In addition to the increase in electrical generation capacity, the new array also shades the level four windows and reduces cooling loads during summer in the area. Transport The Szencorp Building is located close to a number of public transport routes, and bicycle storage, shower and changing facilities are provided in the basement levels. Cycling facilities have not been used extensively since the building’s opening, however, and only two of the building’s 25 staff rode to work regularly during the spring and summer of 2007 — the majority still drove their cars. The company is now considering a number of ways to encourage more staff to either ride, walk or catch public transport to work, including cycling allowances, improved shower facilities and staff sponsorships in sporting events. When the Szencorp Building first opened, it featured two photovoltaic arrays on the roof. Together these arrays generated 5.9 MWh/year. An additional crystalline array was added on the building’s west-facing rear façade in January 2008, increasing the building’s total on-site generation capacity to approximately 7.9 MWh/year. Despite these issues, the building still uses 94% less water than the Australian industry average. A five-star NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme) Water rating, the highest offered under the governmentoperated scheme, requires water consumption of less than 7.5 gallons/ ft² per year. The Szencorp Building used just 1.8 gallons/ft² per year in its second year of operation. Materials and Other Features Recycled and sustainable materials feature prominently in the Szencorp Building. Products from ECS, a Szencorp group company which occupies two levels of the Szencorp Building, were used throughout the facility. Possibly the most interesting materials choice in the building is its internal walls, many of which are constructed from recycled cardboard that has been treated with a fire retardant. Remaining walls are constructed from low-emission medium48 HigH density fiberboard, which was powder coated to reduce off-gassing and improve indoor air quality. Recycled timbers have been used throughout the building — some were even recycled from the building’s original incarnation. Recycled aluminium was used for the ceiling tiles, and all the building’s carpets are recyclable. Boardroom tables are made from recycled woods and meeting room chairs feature non-chromium treated leather. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) materials were used throughout the building. When the building first opened, it featured two photovoltaic (PV) arrays on the roof: a 484 ft² crystalline array at the rear of the building’s roof, and a smaller amorphous array, which doubles as a covering for the rooftop barbecue area. Together these arrays generated 5.9 MWh/year. An additional crystalline array was added on the building’s westfacing rear façade in January 2008, increasing the building’s total on-site spring 2009 A plug-in vehicle gives Szencorp employees a more sustainable transportation option. Szencorp purchases power produced from renewable energy sources and offsets all business car and air travel through the purchase of carbon credits. Performing Buildings
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