BCA Academy

The 2 key green features are:

Low-e glass - unlike normal clear glass, it has a special low emissivity coating. This increases the energy efficiency of windows by reducing the transfer of solar radiation through glass.
Shading devices - with strategically placed shading devices, there is a significant reduction of solar heat gain and improvement of the quality of natural lighting within ZEB.

Using various features such as energy efficient lamps, automatic switching via photosensors and daylighting, there is a marked reduction in energy required for artificial lighting within ZEB.

Active Control and Management

The ZEB has an advanced Building Management System to control, monitor and manage all the equipment installed in the building. With close monitoring of usage and occupancy patterns, energy use can be optimised while maintaining comfort and functionality.

Air-Conditioning System

Through technologically advanced chillers, variable speed drives, and personalised ventilation systems, there is about 40% reduction in energy required for the air-conditioning of the building.

Fully Powered by the Sun

All three generations (1G, 2G & 3G) of photovoltaic systems will be installed to harness energy from the sun to generate electricity and power all the appliances and lighting in the ZEB.

1G

Cells made from silicon wafer
Types: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon
High efficiency and requiring less surface area to generate electricity but more expensive to manufacture
Suitable for rooftops and integration into building façade and skylight

Thin-film deposits of semiconductors
Types: amorphous silicon, copper indium selenide/sulphide
Flexible, lightweight, less silicon intensive and aesthetically pleasing
Suitable for rooftops and integration into building façade and skylight

Departure from 1G and 2G which are silicon-based technologies, promising new approach currently under commercial development
Flexible, lightweight and aesthetically very pleasing
Types: Dye-sensitised solar cells, polymer solar cells, photo electrochemical cells, nanocrystal cells
Suitable for integration into building façade and skylight

Future Green Classrooms in ZEB

The Future Green Classrooms being test-bedded at ZEB will bring together a number of practices and techniques to improve indoor comfort for learning and to minimise impact on the environment. It will also allow students to learn about sustainability through their day to day activities in a green environment.

Improved Natural Ventilation for Greater Comfort
Using heat generated by the solar photovoltaic to promote stack effect, there will be better air circulation in the classrooms.

Improved Green Environment for Greater Calm
With rooftop and vertical greenery, there will be a marked reduction of the inside wall temperature and heat gain through walls.

Improved Lighting for Greater Productivity
Students will enjoy enhanced daylight created by the light shelves. Daylight can penetrate deep into the classrooms, reducing as much as 20% of energy consumption.

Open Layout for Greater Efficiency
Through the open layout concept, there is more flexibility for different types of teaching forms, thus maximising the use of limited space.

For more information on the ZEB@BCAA, please visit www.bca.gov.sg/zeb