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                    Conserving energy and water

                    Upward view of the timber-shuttered building facade
                    CH2 has been designed to reflect the planet’s ecology, a complex system of inter-related components. Find out how the building was designed to work as an ecosystem.

                    ​The first focus of the design process for CH2 was to gain an understanding of Melbourne’s climate and weather patterns. The design team found that responding to the site’s climactic conditions highlighted a range of opportunities for energy efficiency.

                    Melbourne’s changeable weather was viewed as an opportunity to design the building around the concept of cold energy storage. The building operates in two seasonal modes, winter and summer, as well as day mode and night mode.

                    More detail about how the building works as an ecosystem is contained within the CH2: How it works document.

                    • Water conservation

                      The water conservation design strategy for CH2 has established a water consumption total of less than 31 litres per day per person.
                    • Energy generation

                      CH2 generates its own energy using a micro-turbine and solar panels to provide electricity, hot water and cooling.
                    • Heating and cooling systems

                      Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems help CH2 maintain thermal comfort in both summer and winter.
                    • Windows

                      CH2’s windows have a number of features that assist in the heating and cooling processes in the building, control glare, and enhance use of natural light.
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