7. Results and discussion

#### 7.1 Existing design analysis

In this section, the original design of GREENEDGE building (Figure 5) will be explained, highlighting the problems, constrains, and potentials.

The GREENEDGE building in its base case was exposed to high incident solar radiation especially on its west and south facades that receive solar radiation every single day of the year with no any internal open spaces such as courtyards. This would affect negatively the building performance. Shaded open spaces are very preferable in the hot dry zones. They can reduce the daytime air and radiant temperatures inside the occupied space. The courtyard helps in maintaining cooled indoor temperatures. It provides a private internal open space that is visually and

5. Project understanding and location

Sustainability Assessment at the 21st Century

5.1 Basic project information

Land area: 7123 Sqm. Footprint %: 25%.

6. Macroclimate analysis

Figure 4.

112

Council [69].

Project name: THE GREENEDGE.

banks, headquarters, as well as notable multinationals.

No. of floors: Three basements + G + six typical floors.

Project developer: Redcon Real Estate Development.

Owner: Katamia for office Buildings—KOP.

The New Cairo Business Hub (GREENEDGE) is located at plot 84, First sector,

Green Architecture and LEED Consultant: The author of the current chapter.

Cairo's climate is a desert climate, which remains mostly dry and arid yearround. The hot weather in Cairo means that the humidity can rise at times, particularly during winter (December to February). At this time precipitation is more likely, and temperatures drop to 13–19°C. Cairo weather in the summertime (May to August) sees temperatures of 45–47°C. The Cairo International Airport weather Station was chosen to most represent the location of new Cairo. The hourly climatic

New Cairo location and the location of GREENEDGE building, after Google maps [68] and new Cairo City

New Cairo City Center, that is directly overlooking the southern 90 road right beside BNP Paribas Headquarters (Figure 4). The building is designed to be a class (A) office building with total plot area of 33,000 m2 of office spaces for banks and multinational companies at one of the most developed business districts in Egypt with all required amenities and facilities at place and surrounded by Egypt's biggest

Grass area has been avoided since it needs potable water for sprinkler irrigation system. According to the WHO guidelines for the use of treated wastewater for irrigation, gray water could not be used for adjacent area for man activity [71, 72], also because gray water can affect negatively the sprinkler heads. Moreover, highefficiency drip irrigation systems can be 95% efficient, compared with 60–70% for sprinkler or spray irrigation systems [73]. Also, the use of native or adapted vegetation on the project site can assist project teams with earning more credits regard-

Green Building Rating Systems as Sustainability Assessment Tools: Case Study Analysis

A recommended northern courtyard with link between the courtyard and the backyard at the south orientation has been modified to the design. This can affect positively the thermal performance of the building. This link could be positioned at the first floors "called Takhtabush in vernacular architecture." This could be achieved by replacing the curtain glazing in this area to contemporary electronic

This ensures a steady flow of air by convection [74]. Since the backyard is larger at the south orientation, and thus less shaded than the courtyard, air heats up more than in the courtyard. The heated air rising in the backyard draws cool air from the

7.2.3 Openings in the north and south walls, the exposed side of the human height of the

7.2.4 Heavy construction for strong thermal inertia for walls and roofs: Time lag more

Required opening between the courtyard and the backyard (done by the author after Autodesk Ecotect).

In the hot dry climate, high heat resistance and high heat capacity of the envelope elements are necessary. High resistance minimizes the conductive heat flow into the building mass during the daytime. Actually, this would reduce the rate of cooling the building mass during nighttime, but it could be overcome by employing

Window height and details have been modified to be in two parts with different heights. Those of the north direction must be the same in height with the human being. Opposite ones must be in a higher position to enable the required crossventilation. This will give the occupants the controllability of opening the upper or

7.2.2 Compact plans with interior courtyards that allow air circulation

courtyard through the Takhtabush, creating a steady cool breeze.

ing sustainable sits.

Mashrabia (Figure 7).

than 8 hours

Figure 7.

115

wind, and interior wall openings

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87135

the lower parts according to the weather condition.

Figure 5. The simulated GREENEDGE building as it is, done by the author after Autodesk Ecotect.

acoustically separated from the outside environment. The base case material for all the windows was single glazed that is not appropriate for such climate particularly for the west-south facades and high intensity of solar radiation.
