Sustainability Report

Bird's Nest uses "reconstituted bamboo material," which is a processed bamboo material. By reorganizing bamboo fibers and making them into boards, they are environmentally friendly and highly durable.

1. Maximized Existing Building Reuse:

• Strategy: By focusing on renovation rather than new construction, the project inherently reduces the embodied carbon associated with the manufacturing and transportation of new building materials. This is a fundamental principle of low-carbon development.

2. Optimized Natural Ventilation and Lighting:

• Innovation: Installation of a heat-shielding UV glass roof over the courtyard.
• Process: This allows for ample natural daylight to illuminate the interior spaces, significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours and consequently lowering electricity consumption and associated carbon emissions.
• Innovation: Addition of side windows to the glass roof.
• Process: These windows enhance cross-ventilation, facilitating the natural movement of fresh air throughout the building. This reduces reliance on energy-intensive mechanical ventilation systems (air conditioning), leading to substantial energy savings and lower operational carbon emissions.
• Measurable Outcome: The measurable outcomes include a significant reduction in electricity consumption for lighting and air conditioning compared to a conventionally ventilated and lit building of similar size. Indoor air quality improvements could also be measured.

3. Biophilic Design and Green Infrastructure:

• Process: Strategic arrangement of shade-tolerant and locally adapted plants in the piloti areas and the garden.
• Low-Carbon Aspect: Utilizing plants suited to the local climate minimizes the need for excessive watering and maintenance, reducing water consumption and associated energy for water pumping and treatment. Promoting local biodiversity also supports healthier ecosystems.
• Innovation: Planting of rapid-growing climbing plants along the gabion walls.
• Process: This "living wall" strategy aims to naturally transform the stone walls into green surfaces over time.
• Low-Carbon Aspect: Green walls offer several environmental benefits:
  • Thermal Insulation: They can help regulate the building's temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
  • Air Purification: Plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, improving local air quality.
  • Carbon Sequestration (Minor): Plants absorb a small amount of carbon dioxide.
  • Aesthetic and Well-being Benefits: Creating a more natural and visually appealing environment.

The Cheer Kindergarten demonstrates a holistic approach to low-carbon design by prioritizing passive strategies like natural ventilation and lighting, maximizing the reuse of the existing structure, and integrating biophilic elements that offer multiple environmental benefits. The design choices indicate a commitment to minimizing the building's operational carbon footprint and promoting environmental awareness.