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Among its many attributes and features, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre’s high performance "building envelope" is an impressive 85% more efficient than a traditional building of its size.
This efficiency has been achieved through a variety of energy saving systems, some of them highly advanced, some of them deeply traditional. Here are some of the highlights:
• More than 180,000 sensors monitor the building atmosphere, controlling air temperature, circulation and humidity. They respond instantly to increased or decreased temperatures or visitor foot traffic.
• Below ground exhibition spaces take advantage of the earth’s natural insulation against extreme temperatures to keep the building naturally cool.
• The south facing windows are smaller while those to the north are larger. All the windows are made of high performance, zero-draught glass, with maximum glazing. Direct sunlight does not enter the building at any point.
• Solar power produces hot water and electricity for exhibits and water pumps.
• A solar cooling system captures energy from water heated by the sun, then uses the energy to cool the air.
• A pre-cooling AC system takes in air above ground and channels it underground, where the earth, sand and soil cools it naturally. This greatly reduces the final energy requirement for cooling.
• Closed system water pipes run through the concrete flooring to keep it cool.
• Water conservation is an important initiative. We employ no-flush urinals and vacuum flush toilets, similar to the WC units used in aeroplanes, as well as grey water recycling.
• We use recycled construction materials, sourced no farther than 500km from Al Ain.
• We also use energy-efficient fixtures, light pollution and tobacco smoke controls.
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