LEED Certifications (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

On the way of building an innovative green building and reducing energy costs, our designers always concerned about renewable energy. This is our effort to amplify the positive and mitigate the negative of impact on the environment throughout the entire life cycle of a building. All energy sources have some impact on our environment. Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—do substantially more harm than renewable energy sources by most measures, including air and water pollution, damage to public health, wildlife and habitat loss, water use, land use, and global warming emissions. Therefore, the clean and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass are becoming the first choices for green buildings. Solar energy Solar energy is one of cleanest, eco-friendly and unlimited energy resource in the world. It is known as the efficient alternative sources of energy for the future. The advantages of solar energy: Reduce electricity costs: Solar solution provides you energy independence and reduces your operation costs permanently. Long Lasting Solar Cells: The solar panels do not require maintenance and can last for decades. Energy Independence: Because energy from the sun is unlimited and free to everyone. With high power outputs you avoid rising energy costs and gain energy independence. Sustainable environmental protection: With your solar investment, your company makes a socially responsible contribution to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. No Pollution Produced: Solar panels do not pollute or emit greenhouse gases in its using Easier expansion: PV systems are modular and can be easily expanded upon or even transported to other locations. With the hot weather and sunny sky of Southern Vietnam, the solar energy is a viable solution that can provide clean energy for the building and reduce energy cost for building operation. With this energy solution, solar energy system is installed on the office roof. Wind power Harnessing power from the wind is one of the cleanest and most sustainable ways to generate electricity as it produces no toxic pollution or global warming emissions. Wind is also abundant, inexhaustible, and affordable, which makes it a viable and large-scale alternative to fossil fuels. With wide open space and tropical climate, using wind and solar power at the ATAD office is very suitable. Therefore, ATAD has applied outdoor lighting powered by solar and wind energy - the emerging trend in construction. Wind solar hybrid outdoor lighting is an intelligent and complete stand-alone national grid system. Composed of solar modules and small wind turbine, deep cycle batteries, controller and one lights, this hybrid system harvests energy from both wind and solar and store it in deep cycle batteries to power outdoor lights during night. Using a combination of wind & solar resources the system will provides a stable and constant flow of power to power the outdoor lighting. The major advantage of wind solar hybrid outdoor lighting system is that when solar and wind power production are used together, the reliability of the system is enhanced. Additionally, the size of battery storage can be reduced slightly as there is less reliance on one method of power production. Often, when there is no sun, there is plenty of wind. Wind speeds are often low in periods (noon time & summer) when the sun resources are at their best. On the other hand, the wind is often stronger in periods (evening time & spring, winter) when there are less sun resources. Another advantage is the system could last twenty years and require just an annual maintenance check-up, bar natural disasters or accidents. About the lights, we use the smart LED street lighting which is a cost-effective and sustainable choice for outdoor lighting. The LED system is turned off by an automatic controller with an average lighting time of 8-10 hours per day. Advantages Compare with Solar Street Lighting: Longer applicable periods: hybrid system offers a much better reliability and sustainability when used in the periods with less solar radiation level, especially for long rainy season. Longer battery life: normally wind turbine generates more power during night. Part of power generated will supply the light directly; part of power could charge the battery during night. So less charging and discharging loss from battery and also each battery charging cycle is prolonged. Easier installation & Maintenance:  The size of the battery is reduced so it is easy to install. The system requires just an annual maintenance check-up. Windy turbine specifications: Capacity 300W Rated power: 300W Rated voltage: 12V Rated diameter: 1.44m Start – up wind speed (m/s): 2 Cut-in wind speed (m/s): 3 Rated wind speed (m/s) : 9 Safety wind speed (m/s) : 35 Yawing type: Mechanical Rated rotating rate: 450 Free stand tower(mm): φ89xδ3.5x5.8m Conclusion The lighting system powered by solar and wind energy is truly a landmark feature of ATAD office project that confirms our commitment to bringing the most effective solutions for a green building. We hopefully encourage other companies and community to pursue energy-efficient business practices through generating clean energy and inspire people support green building trend.