A place for the future

Transcription

1 A SUSTAINABILITY PIONEER The project, located on the corner of Leake Street and Stirling Highway Cottesloe, includes a library, community learning centre and administration offices and is jointly funded by the Towns of Cottesloe and Mosman Park and the Shire of Peppermint Grove. A major focus has been to include a range of leading-edge sustainable design features & technologies that will: y provide a concrete real-life example of sustainability in action y create an iconic lighthouse library and community centre that makes the Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove and Mosman Park Councils sustainability pioneers on a national scale Innovative ESD technologies/features include climate-sensitive building design (e.g. thermal maze, in ground heat exchange, double glazing and use of natural lighting); energy and water-efficient fixtures and fittings (e.g. dimmable lighting control and waterless urinals); rainwater harvesting; onsite treatment and reuse of wastewater; renewable energy (solar panels and wind turbine); and stormwater treatment. The aim is not only to generate water and energy savings, but also to have an educational impact and tell a story about what is being achieved. The project will represent the first public building in the Perth metropolitan area to have a rainwater supply for internal potable uses (in a scheme water serviced area), onsite treatment of wastewater, a dedicated thermal maze for reducing peak cooling demand, heat exchange using groundwater (three other projects in WA have water heat exchange systems, but use seawater rather than groundwater), and under floor displacement type air conditioning system. The yellow water diversion component of the onsite wastewater treatment system will be a first for WA. Other key innovative features/technologies include the solar panels, wind turbine, waterless urinals and high water-efficiency fixtures, argon gas filled double glazing, dimmable lighting control system and the use of natural lighting. The ESD components of the total contract have been costed at $2.1 million with $1.5 of this provided by a federal grant through the Green Precincts Fund, with the three councils agreeing to incorporate the full extent of the ESD initiatives on the basis that the Federal Government supported the project with the additional costs. The project was the only one in Western Australia to receive a grant under the program and was one of thirteen nationally. Further information on the Green Precinct program and the project grant can be found at

2 SUMMARY OF KEY ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE DESIGN (ESD) FEATURES y Key ESD features and technologies include: y Renewable energy generation y Low energy heating and cooling y Natural lighting and ventilation y Water efficiency and innovative water management systems (rainwater, stormwater and wastewater) y Landscaping incorporating the themes of urban habitat, water conservation, food production and user interaction RENEWABLE ENERGY Solar Power y A 20kW system will generate approximately 32,000kw/h per annum. The power generation capacity of this system translates to $4,800 per year at current electricity prices, and $10,500 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. Solar Hot Water y Water will be heated by a high efficiency evacuated tube solar hot water heating system with gas boosting. This will be complemented by the insulation of all hot water plant and reticulated hot water pipework, combined with the provision of cold water supply only to public toilet amenities. y It s estimated that the solar hot water system will result in energy savings of approximately 13,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $2,000 per year at current electricity prices, and $5,000 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. Wind Turbine y A wind turbine system will generate between kWh/yr. The power generation capacity of this system translates to $300 per year at current electricity prices, and $660 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. y The wind turbine will be located near the main entry pathway, and not only generate power but also make a prominent statement of the project and its educational motives. HEATING & COOLING Shading and Solar Gain y The building is based on the key principles of passive solar design including north facing glazing, with shading for summer sun, solid east and west facing facades with minimal windows, vertical shading blades to the western foyer and high performance insulation. y The library design was modelled using various shading, glazing, wall and insulation options. The results have shown that by utilising shading, high performance argon gas filled double glazing and appropriate insulation, it will be possible to significantly reduce the peak heat load into the space and subsequently reduce the energy consumption of the mechanical systems. Page 2 of 6

3 y It s estimated that the double glazing alone will result in energy savings of approximately 33,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $5,000 per year at current electricity prices, and $13,000 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. y The building also features automated internal blinds to moderate the entry of sunlight and reduce glare. In ground heat exchange y The air conditioning is based on an open loop groundwater cooled heat rejection system. This is by far the most effective and efficient method of heat rejection for air conditioning. Open loop systems involve sinking a bore and pumping water through a heat exchanger before reinjecting it into the aquifer at a different location. This type of system has the following advantages: Very high energy efficiency (up to three times more efficient than air cooled systems). Elimination of air cooling towers and associated maintenance problems and perceived legionella risk. Good reliability (eliminates condenser fans). y It s estimated that the system will result in energy savings of approximately 73,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $11,000 per year at current electricity prices, and $29,000 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. y The under floor displacement type air conditioning system allows direct user control of the individual air diffuser outlets, but also future proofs the library for any layout changes or new technology in the future. Heat recovery system y The air conditioning system has a run around coil heat recovery system, to be used when external conditions are favourable. y The internal library temperature will range between 20 and 24 degrees all year round. Thus any exhaust air can be used to preheat the cold outside air in winter, or cool the hot outside air in summer. y It s estimated that the system will result in energy savings of approximately 20,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $3,000 per year at current electricity prices, and $7,900 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. Thermal Maze y The internal temperature of the library will be stabilised by utilising a basement thermal maze built from heavy mass rocks in metal cages as well as rainwater tanks, combined with in floor air diffusers. y The high density rocks and rainwater tanks both act as storage for thermal energy. Thermal energy can be stored in the maze by charging it with the cool night air which is then used to pre-cool the hotter air entering the library later in the day. y During periods of hot days and relatively cool nights the thermal maze will be most effective. At night the air handling units will draw the cool night air through the maze, charging it with thermal energy. Then during the day, when the outside air reaches a high temperature, it will be drawn through the thermal maze to cool it prior to entering the air handling unit. Page 3 of 6

4 y The thermal maze will reduce the cooling required by the air handling unit, hence reducing power consumption and resulting in estimated savings of approximately 13,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $2,000 per year at current electricity prices, and $5,000 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. LIGHTING AND VENTILATION y Dimmed fluorescent and sensor controlled lighting system is being installed minimise unnecessary lighting. y It s estimated that the lighting control will result in energy savings of approx. 17,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $2,500 per year at current electricity prices, and $6,600 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. y General electrical lighting has also been reduced in favour of increased individual task lighting for flexibility and to minimise wastage. y Natural lighting and ventilation will be provided by: A 1m high continuous roof light for the library to maximise natural light and ventilation within the centre library space. A roof light/clerestory (1.2m high x 9.5m long x 1.5m wide) in the foyer area to maximise natural light and ventilation above the stair of foyer. Nine sky domes have been incorporated to illuminate the corridor and internal spaces in the Shire administration building and community nursing room. High level glass louvers will allow natural cross ventilation and night cooling of the library space. y It s estimated that the natural lighting will result in energy savings of approximately 11,000 kwhrs each year. This translates to $1,600 per year at current electricity prices, and $4,000 per year at anticipated future electricity prices. WATER SYSTEMS Water Efficiency y Internal water consumption will be reduced through the use of approved limited flow water fixtures and fittings, including the use of waterless urinals. Rainwater Harvesting Rainwater will meet 100% of internal water demand, thereby reducing the demand on the mains water supply. y It s estimated that the rainwater harvesting system will reduce mains water consumption by approximately 730,000L each year. y The system includes a range of above and below ground storage tanks to the capacity of 258 kl; syphonic guttering; automatic first flush diverters; micro filtration and UV disinfection for potable water and mains water back-up. y A water level display system will communicate real time tank volumes and water usage to visitors. y A detailed water quality monitoring program will be implemented to ensure strict water quality guidelines are met. Page 4 of 6

5 Wastewater Reuse y There will be on-site separation, treatment and re-use of greywater (showers and hand basins), brown water (toilets as well as kitchen) and yellow water (urinals). y The wastewater system will: Supply a proportion of landscape water demand for irrigation (i.e. substitute bore water). Effectively manage and utilise nutrients from the wastewater stream for landscape plant requirements. Recharge the shallow aquifer to offset bore water use for seasonal landscape demands that exceed available wastewater volumes. Reduce the load on the mains sewer. y It s estimated that the wastewater system will reduce the draw on groundwater that would be used for irrigation by approximately 700,000L each year. Stormwater Management y There will be on-site treatment of low and normal flows as well as first-flush peak stormwater flows to improve stormwater water quality prior to infiltration into the aquifer by removing gross pollutants and reducing hydrocarbons and nutrients. y The storm water treatment system has been designed to create an aesthetically pleasing, functional and educational landscape feature that reflects the seasonality of the Swan Coastal Plain. LANDSCAPING y The landscape will feature the prominent use of low water use, habitat providing West Australian plant species. y A sensory garden will contain a range of colourful, edible and aromatic plants chosen for as a source of stimulus for enjoyment. y Rainwater tanks are set at different levels, with the exposed faces being clad with masonry and salvaged timber. Simple timber ramps run between the tanks. This combined with stabilised gravel paths form a network of spaces, nooks and crannies through the garden for children to play. y The landscape design, plant palette and irrigation system have been carefully integrated with wastewater and stormwater systems for water conservation and nutrient management. y Creative art installations within the storm water basins will also serve as depth markers to demonstrate the dynamic fluctuations of water in the system and its movements through the landscape. y Dewey decimal system numbering appear throughout the landscape, with the number displayed corresponding to relative ESD features and direct visitors to information held within the library. y Reading cubes for seats will be scattered amongst avenues of trees, and additional seating is incorporated as part of the landscape form. Page 5 of 6

6 GENERAL ESD FEATURES y As part of the decommissioning of the old library and administration buildings, 80% of the demolition material is being recycled. y Car bays sizes have been reduced to favour smaller cars and to reduce the overall footprint of the car park. y Quality cyclist facilities are being provided to encourage staff and visitors to ride rather than drive. y Easy to use recycling facilities have been incorporated. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION y The three Councils will be implementing a sophisticated community education program that tells a story about the ESD features which have been incorporated into the building and landscape. y The program will be designed to: Promote the new library and community centre and help to maximise community understanding of the ESD innovations. Create support, pride and enthusiasm towards the ESD innovations. Reinforce to the community the value and practical benefits of integrating ESD options into their homes and lifestyle. Influence the habits and choices of residents and ratepayers. Provide an engaging platform to influence schools, educators and other key groups. y In addition to creative interpretive signage, discrete viewing windows have been incorporated into the fabric of the building so visitors can see the hidden innovative features such as the thermal maze and rainwater first flush chambers. y The program will also include user-friendly interpretive signage, fact sheets, webbased material, as well as community forums, workshops, events and activities for local residents and others. Prepared by Josh Byrne & Associates September Page 6 of 6