EcoCity
| DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS | CONSIDERATIONS | LEED (Planned) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbines | |||
Provide small localized and/or large centralized wind turbine(s) across the site |
Provide emission‑free renewable energy Supplement existing power source, can power electric vehicle at night Provide iconic large scale turbine emphasizing the commitment of the development |
Large turbine will have structural implications Large turbines have noise implications to miligate Requires additional electrical equipment Turbines will need a screen cover to protect birds Economic viability varies from 10 years for smaller units to approx. 4 years for larger centralized unit |
LEED certificated |
| Power Generation | |||
Provide heat and power generation equipment on site (i.e. microturbine) |
Provide high-efficiency on-site electricity and heat generation Supplement existing heat and power source or use as emergency power Recovered heat is easily used across the site for multiple applications Due to the high heat demand, it can be considered a primary product and power |
Local codes for self‑generator need to be considered Careful power and heat supply‑and‑demand balance should be made to operate at maximum efficiency and avoid waste energy Requires additional electrical equipment Economic viability for this technology is between 5 and 8 years |
LEED certificated |
| Natural Ventilation | |||
Design buildings with natural ventilation system for cooling |
Reducing the need for mechanical cooling in buildings reduces energy consumption Provide a healthier indoor environment by having 100% outside air ventilation Provide the occupants with the option of using mechanical or natural ventilation |
Occupant comfort might be slightly compromised at certain times Advanced facade design will be required to optimize natural ventilation Outdoor noise and pollution might force mechanical ventilation at certain times Economic viability depends on strategy and added construction cost. Estimated 5 years payback |
LEED certificated |
| Envelope Upgrade | |||
Improve performance of renovated buildings envelope including walls, windows and roofs. This is achieved by replacing elements, adding insulation, or refinishing surfaces |
Reducing thermal loss throug envelope, reduces energy consumed for heating and cooling Increase thermal and lighting comfort in the occupied space |
Replacing some of the envelope elements might slightly alter the look of the facades Adding insulation to walls might slightly reduce internal floor area Economic viability in the range of 3 – 4 years payback on energy costs avoided |
LEED certificated |
| Central Plant | |||
Use existing central plant building to provide centralized heating and cooling to the building |
The use of larger more efficient mechanical equipment will reduce energy consumption Increase thermal and lighting comfort in the occupied space |
Slightly higher costs than localized systems Requires pipe layout between the central plant and all the supplied buildings Economic viability of a central facility has payback in 8 – 10 years compared to localized equipment |
LEED certificated |
| River Cooling | |||
Use the existing 200mm water pipe from the river for free cooling |
Reducing the need for mechanical cooling reduces the electrical consumption Reduce noise from the central plant by shutting down mechanical cooling equipment |
Consider local codes for allowable temperature rise of water let back into the river The existing size of the pipe will only allow for a limited amount of cooling for the river Requires additional mechanical equipment to avoid contamination of the river water Economic viability for added equipment cost is in the 5‑8‑year‑payback range |
LEED certificated |
| Solar Thermal | |||
Install solar collectors to provide hot water for space heating and domestic hot water (central and local) |
Provide emission‑free renewable energy Reducing the need for boiler heating reduces the gas consumption and flue emissions Reduces utility bill for building occupants |
Still requires backup boilers as system will not always meet the demand Hamburg's weather is not ideal for solar energy Economic viability is between 5 and 10 years payback depending on use for heat energy and potential incentives |
LEED certificated |
| Photovoltaik | |||
Install large centralized photovoltaicsystem (PV array) and small localized buildings‑integrated systems (8 PV) |
Provide emissions-free renewable energy Supplement existing power source, can power exterior lighting |
Expensive technology compared to payback Hamburg's weather is not ideal for solar energy Requires additional electrical equipment Economic viability for PV varies depending on incentives – in Germany estimated to be between 6 and 10 years |
LEED certificated |
