TABLE OF CONTENTS - The Professional Green Building Council

Theme B: Creating a livable, healthy and environmentally viable cities5.2 Environmental Façade Design InitiativesWith the availability of latest proven simulation technology, we apply advancedcomputer programme which consists of modules of ventilation, thermal comfortand building energy analysis for computing the temperature profile for the internalenvironment of habitable rooms. Since the façade features that affect cooling loadand achievable ventilation rates and daylight illuminance include (but not limitedto) wall/roof construction, window/wall area ratio, glazing type, buildingorientation, configuration and separation, floor level, external wall finishes andcolour, shading device etc., it demands an optimization study (e.g. Ant ColonyOptimization (ACO) method etc.) taking optimization of the life cycle cost of thehigh density and high rise public housing blocks. We apply the study to designsolar shading devices for reducing solar heat gain both on the building façade andin individual dwelling, to reduce the energy consumption on air conditioningand/or other mechanical ventilation means. In order to optimize the life cycle cost,the shading fins are integrated in the precast façade panels, taking intoconsideration of the transportation economy and loading for on-site installation.6. MISCELLANEOUS6.1 Holistic Environmental Planning and Design ApproachIn terms of environmental planning and design, we adopt a holistic approach withbalanced considerations on wind environment, natural ventilation and pollutantdispersion, daylight and solar heat gain etc. We apply a scoring system in workingout the most optimal solution for the development. On-going researches are beingconducted for establishment of local benchmarks. With a common goal andconcerted effort by users, academia and researchers, regulators and practitioners,more healthy living environment will be created for now and the future.493