Sustainability & Eco

Introduction

This chapter provides the integrated sustainability strategy for the Mollstraße/Otto-Braun-Straße development, according to RIBA Stage 4 and international standards such as BREEAM/LEED. The design aims to limit environmental impacts while enhancing occupant well-being, with a focus on passive design concepts, renewable energy, and circular economy techniques. Key elements are:

Energy Efficiency: High-performance envelope (U-values < 0.18 W/m²K), triple glazing, and air-source heat pumps for reducing operational carbon.
Water & Biodiversity: Rainwater harvesting, green roofs (1,736 m²), and native landscaping for storm-water management and improved urban ecology.
Low-Carbon Materials: Recycled steel, FSC timber, and modular construction to minimize embodied carbon.

Supported by the HVAC optimization and Construction Resource Management Plan, the strategy meets the requirements of EPC A/B standards and future-proofs the building in light of Berlin's 2030 climate goals. Illustrated by 3D models and performance graphs, the strategy achieves a balance between environmental rigor and economic feasibility.

1. Building Orientation & Passive Design

Maximize natural daylight with large glazed surfaces on the south and east facades.
Minimize heat gain with shaded glazing and vertical fins on the west and north sides.
Optimize natural ventilation using cross-ventilation between units and atrium/stairwell ventilation shafts.

Justification: Passive strategies reduce energy demand, align with BREEAM/LEED credits, and improve occupant comfort.

2. Green Roof & Bio-diverse Landscaping

Install extensive green roofs to manage storm-water, reduce heat island effect, and add insulation.
Native plant species and permeable paving will be use for open site areas.

Types of Green Roofs

Recommendation: extensive green roof will be used on all flat roofs (e.g., 1,736 m² rooftop) with intensive green zones on amenity decks for residents.

3. Low/Zero Carbon (LZC) Technology

Recommend Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) for heating/cooling.
Explore photovoltaic solar panels on the roof and unused south-facing façades.
Option for shared energy systems in flats (e.g., communal hot water tanks).

Justification: Future-proofs building against decarboxylation targets (e.g., SAP 10), cuts operational carbon, and lowers long-term utility costs.

4. High-Performance Building Envelope

External walls with U-value < 0.18 W/m²K, roof < 0.13, windows < 1.2.
Triple-glazing and external shading devices.
Air tightness target: < 3 m³/hr/m² @ 50 Pa.

Justification: Reduces heating/cooling loads and qualifies for enhanced energy performance rating (EPC A/B).

5. Water Management

Install low-flow fixtures, dual flush toilets, and water meters.
Rainwater harvesting will be use for landscape irrigation and potential grey water recycling.

Justification: Meets requirements of Part G and aligns with sustainability benchmarks like HQM or WELL.

HVAC system

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It's a system or collection of technologies used to regulate the indoor environment of buildings by controlling temperature, humidity, and air quality. Here's a breakdown of each part:

1. Heating – Provides warmth during colder months using systems like:

Furnaces (gas, electric, or oil)
Heat pumps
Boilers and radiators

2. Ventilation – Circulates and exchanges air to improve air quality.:

Removing moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide
Bringing in fresh outdoor air
Filtering and circulating air through ducts and vents

3. Air Conditioning – Cools and dehumidifies indoor air during warm months using:

Central AC units
Split systems
Window units
Heat pumps (in cooling mode)

Why HVAC matters

Ensures comfort in living and working spaces Maintains healthy indoor air quality. Helps preserve building integrity by controlling humidity Can improve energy efficiency with modern systems.

Modern HVAC systems are built to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality:

High SEER Ratings: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; higher is better.
HEPA Filters / UV Lights: Improve indoor air quality by removing allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
Inverter Technology: Adjusts system power based on demand instead of cycling on/off.
Geothermal HVAC: Uses underground temperature for highly efficient theating/cooling.

Applications

Residential: Homes, apartments.
Commercial: Offices, stores, hospitals, schools.
Industrial: Factories, warehouses—often with more robust systems.

6. Materials and Waste

Materials will be used locally sourced, low embodied carbon materials (e.g., FSC-certified timber, recycled steel, low-carbon concrete).
Incorporate off-site modular elements (e.g., bathroom pods, precast facades).
Develop Construction Resource Management Plan (CRMP) to reduce waste on-site.

Presented By: Parmar, Jaydipsinh

(34062431)

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