The Embassy of the Kingdom ofGreen Buildings in Jordan it green... · Rashed Al Nasa’a, MSc, LEED AP BD+C Design Architect Consolidated Consultants Engineering & Environment –

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands A Case Study for Green Buildings in Jordan

Rashed Al Nasa’a, MSc, LEED AP BD+C

Design Architect

Consolidated Consultants Engineering & Environment – Jafar Tukan Architects

Build It Green Conference, Beirut – Lebanon

March 28th - 29th, 2011

INTRODUCTION

Team + Culture

470talented

experienced

passionate

professional

responsible

committed. innovative. result-oriented.

employees

partners in building an emerging world

Offices

Amman

Aqaba

Ramallah

Beirut

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Ras al Kheimeh

Baghdad

Sulaymaniyah

Muscat

Riyadh

Sana’a

Tripoli

Astana

Tbilisi

Luanda

16 offices.2 continents.

22 operation areas.


Funding Agencies

• World Bank

• European Investment Bank [EBRD]

• Islamic Development Bank [IDB]

• Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development [KFAED]

• European Union

• United Nations Development Program [UNDP]

• US Agency for International Development [USAID]

• Arab Fund for Economic Social Development [AFESD]

• Saudi Fund for Development [SFD]

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations [FAO]

• Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau [KfW]

• The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

• Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA]

• External Iraq Fund for Development [EIFD]


Services

Buildings + Architecture

Infrastructure

Urban Planning

Special Services


Special Services

•Construction Contract Administration

•Technical Advisory

•Value Engineering

•Independent Engineer

•Public Private Partnerships [PPP]

•Consulting


Areas of Expertise• Feasibility Studies

• Site Surveys & Investigations

• Master Planning

• Special & Environmental Studies

• Full Design Services

• Cost Engineering

• Value Engineering

• Tender Services

• Supervision of Construction

• Construction & Project Management

• Workshops & Technical Training

Complete Solutions:

Hub of Excellence


Buildings + Architecture

• Architecture

• Interior Design

• Landscape

• Green Buildings

Building Systems

• Structural Systems

• Electrical Systems

• Mechanical Systems

Others

• Cost & Contracts Engineering


CC Green Building


We understand the need to deliver environmentally sound

and sustainable solutions to the built environment. the

global climate change and energy crisis demands that we

rethink our approach to the way buildings are designed,

constructed and operated in order to reduce their impact

on the natural environment.

We strive to develop the required knowledge and expertise

in sustainable design among our professionals, each

contributing to this multidisciplinary and holistic approach

to design. the provision of "green" solutions to the built

environment is a responsibility that we have taken on with

the utmost fervor and interest.

We believe that sustainable design will streamline the

industry towards both environmentally and socially

responsible solutions to the built environment. in 2007, the

cc green building committee was established with the aim

of spreading the necessary awareness towards sustainability

in general and green building design among cc members of

staff with a multidisciplinary and holistic approach.

Since 2007, CC has been actively involved in the following local and international Green Building organizations and committees:

•US Green Building Council [USGBC]

•Jordan Green Building Council [Jordan GBC]

•The A/E Business Council Green Building Unit

•Local Green Building Codes technical review committees at the Jordan

National Building Council and the Building Research Centre of the Royal

Scientific Society [RSS]

MEMBERSHIPS + LOCAL INVOLVEMENT


CONTEXTUAL APPROACH

• Varies from dry sub-humid Mediterranean in the

north west of the country with rainfall of about

630 mm to desert conditions with less than 50

mm of rainfall over a distance of only 100 km.

More of 80% of the country's area is arid and

receives less than 200-300 mm of annual

rainfall.

• Amman is characterized by Mediterranean

Climate where summer temperatures range from

28°C - 35°C, with low humidity and frequent

breezes. Winter nighttime temperatures

frequently near 0°C. The distinct variation in

climate within Jordan advocates for different

approaches for energy efficient building.


Climate

Source:

Wardam, B., Jordan Ministry of Environment, National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) Project, Environmental Profile of Jordan 2006, March 2006, p. 24

• Only around 1.3% of Jordan's area receives an

annual average of more than 500 mm of rainfall,

only 1.8% between 300 and 500 mm, 3.8%

between 200 and 300 mm, 12.5% between 100

and 200 mm and the rest, 80.6%, receive less

than 100mm/year

• On a per capita basis, Jordan has one of the

lowest levels of water resources in the world. In

1997, Jordanians consumed a total of 882

million cubic meters (MCM). In 1996, per capita

share of water was less than 175 for all uses.

The extent of the crisis is further demonstrated

by the fact that, from the 1997 total around 225

MCM was pumped from ground water over and

above the level of sustainable yield.


Water

Source:

World Bank MENA Development Report, Making the Most of Scarcity: Accountability for Better Water Management in the Middle East and North Africa, 2007, p.7

Source:

World Bank MENA Development Report, Making the Most of Scarcity: Accountability for Better Water Management in the Middle East and North Africa, 2007, p.7

• Heavy dependence on imported crude oil and oil products to cover energy needs. Energy imports account for nearly 10% of GDP.

• Government plans to implement short and long

term projects to utilize renewable energy

resources, solar and wind in particular, aimed at

increasing the contribution of these resources in

the total primary energy mix.

• According to international classifications, Jordan

is one of the “sun-belt countries” with average

daily solar radiation of 4 kWh/m2 in winter and

more than 8 kWh/m2 in summer. Solar energy is

mainly used for domestic solar water heating for

about 30% of residential units in the country.

• Total primary energy consumption of about 6489

toe in 2004 compared to 5774 toe in 2003


Energy

Source:

Chedid, R., Jordan Baseline Study, MED-ENEC Project, Energy Efficiency in the Construction Sector in the Mediterranean, Beirut, February 2006

• Locally produced quality construction materials are available at competitive and rather stable prices, these include stone, cement, steel reinforcement bars (manufactured from imported steel), aggregates, aluminum profiles, terrazzo tiles, paint, ceramic tiles, sanitary fixtures, kitchen cabinets and timber joinery.

• The average per capita generation rate of solid waste is 0.9kg/day. Quantities of solid waste are 4600 tonne/day, which is equal to 1,679,000 tonnes/year. 55-70% of the waste is organic, while up to 17%. 2.5% is plastic and glass respectively. Paper & cardboard constitute from 11-17% of waste in Jordan

• There are 21 working landfills sites throughout Jordan, operated by joint service councils branching from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. There is partial separation of useful materials, and the treatment of separated organic waste to generate biogas & electricity for example has been in practice in the Rusaifa Landfill


Materials and Resources

Sources:

Al Fayez K, Solid Waste Management in Jordan: Current Situation and Future Challenges, Presentation, Ministry of Environment, Jordan

Housing Development & Management and the Royal Scientific Society and the authors, Climate Conscious Architecture and Urban Design in Jordan, 2009


Materials and ResourcesUrban Context


“How should the Netherlands present itself in the architecture of its embassy in Amman, its diplomatic outpost in the Middle East?

Should it use modern architecture in brick, aluminium or glass? In the Netherlands this is often a way of demonstrating respect for an environment in which modernity already has the status of tradition. But Amman is entirely made up of buildings in local natural stone, not only the rich neighbourhoods but also poorer districts, and not only homes but also offices, hotels, museums and shops. In this sea of stone a ‘normal’ Dutch building would be alien, a sign of a sharp contrast between cultures. Is that the desired image here?

There have already been enough culture clashes, and this culture is in fact born out of respect, interaction and inspiration, so contributing to empathy and understanding, diversity and cohesion. Making contact presupposes a balance between adaptation and confrontation.”

Rudy UytenhaakPhotography: courtesy of Pieter Kers

THE NEW EMBASSY

Project Summary

Location: Amman - JordanClient: Dutch Ministry of Foreign AffairsArchitect: Rudy Uytenhaak Architects,

NetherlandsLocal Consultant: Consolidated ConsultantsContractor: M.A Abu Eisheh & Bros.ContractingArea: 1253 m² (including both existing and

proposed areas for the main building and annexes)

Planning and Design 2007 - 2008Construction 2008 - 2009Completed: February 2010LEED Certification: LEED Silver (NC v2.2), awarded in

October 2010

Dutch Government Sustainability Policy:“New and innovative technologies should be used in order to change the way we produce and consume things, and hence avoiding causing further harm to ecosystems and easing the pressure on the environment. The balance between ecology and the economy must be adjusted to engender a close connection between economic dynamism and ecological development.”


Photography: courtesy of Pieter Kers

Walls and roof of the first floor of the villa, central staircase and a small piece of the first floor are removed, and the existing concrete structure of the villa is made stronger.

New official entrance: A glass box was placed between the two existing stone boxes of the existing villa, then a two storey, central hall, an elevator and a staircase leading to the new first floor.

A new glazed pavilion containing new office spaces is then added above the existing structure

Design Concept Development

The structure and four facades of the “Parasol” system is then added to the new building

“Parasol” on the roof: floating stone plates. Each plate is tilted in different directions so that there are enough spaces between them for natural ventilation

A number of ventilation holes for natural ventilation in the roof of the first floor, which also includes skylights to maximize daylight in the building.



Parasol shading system on the south façade to control solar heat gain

Photovoltaic panels providing approx. 3% of the building’s lighting demand

Fabric covering portions of the roof to reduce the building’s heat island effect

Existing building reused to provide part of the design program requirements

Solar collectors to provide hot water that is transferred directly to the building or stored in the thermal storage (existing pool)

Existing swimming pool reused as a thermal storage tank for the HVAC systems

Parasol structural system

ENTRANCE

ENTRANCE


Key Design Features

Sustainable Design Strategies

Sustainable Site Planning and Design

• Limiting construction to the limits of the existing structure to minimize environmental impact on the site

• Erosion and sedimentation control measures during construction

• Control of storm water run-off through permeable ground cover

• Maximization of open space• Proximity to community services and public

transportation• Reduction of the urban heat island effect through

covered parking spaces, shaded outdoor areas in addition to the use of light coloured paving materials with high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)



Water Efficiency

• The use of water efficient fixtures including dual flush WC's and low flow faucets with a target 30% reduction in water use

• Native and water efficient landscaping to eliminate the demand of potable water used for irrigation

• Rainwater harvesting system for irrigation of xeriscape garden

• Use of hard landscaped areas to minimize water consumption



Landscape Design Strategy

• Maintain most of the existing plants as established ones with zero irrigation water needs and minimal maintenance requirements.

• Select local adaptive and very low water demand new plants in harmony with the existing plants to complete the soft landscape design.

• Reduce the planted area and quantity of plant material to achieve the balance between irrigation water needs and the quantity of harvested rain water from the site and the building

• Maintain the existing soil and enrich it by adding the necessary local organic materials.

• Using local low cost mulch material (tuff) to protect the soil and to reduce water evaporation.

• Using local low cost river gravel with suitable size as a cover of 5cm thick to replace the old lawn

• Locate the new (canopy trees) and the transplanted plants at the south west direction to maximize shading and wind protection values.




Energy Efficiency

• The sizing of existing windows on the ground floor was retained to minimize solar gains

• Canvas shading system was used for the first floor windows, particularly on the south façade

• Onsite renewable energy generation and utilization through photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels for hot water

• High spec glazing on both floors to enhance the building's energy performance

• Stone and concrete used throughout the building envelope to increase thermal mass

• Mechanical indoor air management system (heating and cooling) with individual controls for thermal comfort (thermostats)

• Existing swimming pool reused as a thermal storage tank for HVAC systems

• Use of energy efficient lighting and electrical equipment



Adaptive Reuse of Existing Swimming Pool

Advantages of thermal storage system:

• The heat pump can generate chilled water during the summer night. During the summer night, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the heat pump is higher than at day time.

• The heat pump can operate at a steady load during 24 hours of the day. Hence the heat pump can be selected at a smaller relatively.

• During spring, autumn and winter, the storage provides the possibility of generating heating water and chilled water at the same time.



Summer Daytime HVAC Piping Diagram


Summer Night time HVAC Piping Diagram


Winter HVAC Piping Diagram


Total of 36 panels with total installed power 7.2 kWp

3 inverters to transform 17V DC to 230V AC, also synchronizing with utility so generated electricity can be wired directly to the distribution board

PV Installation


Materials and Resources

• Reusing the existing structure to minimize consumption of raw materials and construction waste

• Implementation of recycling throughout building operation for a number of recyclable materials including paper, plastic and some metals

• Use of local materials for the main building fabric including stone, concrete and building services components

• Furniture selection includes items with high recycled content





Indoor Environmental Quality

• Design and verification for thermal comfort conditions for all spaces

• Automatic and occupant controllability of building systems, including lighting, temperature, humidity and air flow

• Optimization of daylight as a design strategy for most of the building spaces

• Maximizing visual accessibility to the exterior environment particularly for offices and other frequently occupied spaces in buildings


LEED Summary

First project in Jordan to achieve LEED certification

Rating SystemLEED for New Construction v2.2

Certification LevelLEED Silver

LEED Scorecard

Sustainable Sites 10 pointsWater Efficiency 3 pointsEnergy and Atmosphere 7 pointsMaterials and Resources 3 pointsIndoor Environmental Quality 6 pointsInnovation & Design 5 points

TOTAL 34 POINTS


LESSONS LEARNED


Lessons Learned

• Introduce green goals and objectives as early as possible in the design process, preferably even before the A/E contract is signed for the project

• Include specific green requirements in RFP’s and contracts including LEED requirements and targets if applicable

• Get everyone on board, particularly top decision makers to establish clarity of commitment by all stakeholders

• Work with the design team to create realistic performance goals and targets for building systems

• Determine at early stages of the project if the client and building users support potential innovative changes that may affect the way they manage and use the building.

• The need to adopt an integrated approach to design where all stakeholders are involved from early stages of the project and are part of the decision making process


Lessons Learned


• Any Green Building regulations or rating systems must reflect the particular needs of the region in general and Jordan in specific with the proper legislative framework to support it

• All elements of the built environment on both micro and macro levels must be considered

• It is not only about credit points

• The need to consider the entire lifecycle of a project from design concept to post occupancy

• The importance of creating baseline scenarios where necessary data must be collected and documented on a national level for various building types.

• KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DO IT RIGHT!

“ If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done… All you’ll ever get is all you ever got.”

Thomas Friedman: ‘Hot, Flat and Crowded’, 2008

THANK YOU

Consolidated Consultants Engineering & Environment

Tel: +962 6 461 2377

Fax: +962 6 461 2380

P.O. Box: 830746

Amman 11183 Jordan

E-mail: [email protected]

www.ccjo.com

Documents

The Embassy of the Kingdom ofGreen Buildings in Jordan it green... · Rashed Al Nasa’a, MSc, LEED AP BD+C Design Architect Consolidated Consultants Engineering & Environment –