To minimise solar heat gain through the floor
plates, a high performance double glazed unit was
used throughout. Internally, visible glazing was cut
to 50% by creating a solid spandrel that spans
from window sill level through to the ceiling below.
In order to gain efficiencies on both heating and
cooling, a 4-pipe chilled water HVAC system with
air-cooled chillers was installed with heat pumps –
a system that is three times more efficient than
one requiring electric resistance reheating.
Water and energy meters were installed and
connected to a Building Management System
to support proper facility management of water
and energy consumption. Water efficient fittings
for toilets, mixers and showers were installed
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throughout the building, with drip irrigation to all
landscaping on the piazza.
In terms of management, a commissioning
agent was appointed so that all systems would
be installed, commissioned and used in line with
CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services
Engineers) commissioning requirements.
An Environmental Management Plan was
developed for Phase 3 and an internal auditor
appointed to ensure environmental compliance
during construction. A 70% reduction of waste
to landfill was targeted. As a lot of material was
recycled from the demolished Standard Bank
building, this figure will probably be surpassed in
the final calculations.
Alice Lane