Architectural Design

• Sustainable architecture, which focuses on the sustainable use of energy and space, is the design theme of the building. The existing external walls of the main elevations are converted into environmental facades , with ventilated double-layered curtain walls for the office floors (6/F & 7/F) and metal sun shades for the workshop floors (G/F to 5/F). An aluminium arch frame and perforated panels over the new Entrance Hall unify the different elements of the 190m long main facade. The new Viewing Gallery on the roof is designed as a glass crystal on top of the new cantilevered metal roof. Together with the new skylights, sunpipes and roof gardens, natural light is brought into the heart of a deep-plan building. The new Entrance Hall and Library on G/F is glazed with full storey-height clear and low-iron translucent white glass respectively. Linear pattern of various materials is adopted as a theme in both the external and internal finishes of the building. Bright colours and supergraphics are used in the interior spaces to enliven the overall environment. Informal social hubs for staff are provided at various appropriate areas for staff interaction and relaxation.

Renewable Energy

• The project boasts to have the biggest PV rooftop, generating electricity to supplement the power input for the air-conditioning system. The 2,300 PV panels have a generating capacity of 350 kW, sufficient for consumption by 90 families for a year. Solar energy constitutes three to four percent of the Headquarters' energy consumption. Apart from producing electricity, the system will achieve a reduction of CO₂ emissions, amounting to 210 to 280 tonnes per annum. All panels face south and inclined at 22 degrees to the ground to achieve maximum operating efficiency and ease of maintenance.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency

• Ventilated double layered curtain walls, deep canopies and sun shades to control solar gain;
• Motion and daylight sensors to control artificial lighting;
• Ammonia chillers of zero GWP - The global warming potential (GWP i.e. the relative effect of a greenhouse gas on global warming) of common refrigerants is 1,250, but the GWP for ammonia is zero. Moreover, the use of ammonia reduces the damage to the ozone layer significantly. The coefficient of performance for cooling of ammonia is higher than that of common refrigerants, therefore ammonia chillers are both environmentally friendly and highly energy efficient; and
• The use of ice storage system enables the air-conditioning chillers to run at their highest energy efficiency point. The installed capacity of the air-conditioning plant will be reduced by operating them during the off-peak period. This ice storage system produces slurry ice during off-peak period and melts them in the peak period of electricity demand, making it possible to reduce electricity use, as well as the capacity of generators and transformers.

Others

• Grey water recycling for toilet flushing;
• Green roof gardens provide thermal insulation, a pleasant environment and social hubs for the staff; and
• An education path built to introduce to the public the renewable energy features of the building.

• Used scrap tires, plastic wastes and recycled concrete aggregates in large quantities with wide application ranging from the building of shelters, corridor, junk body and walkway, to boundary fencing, playground equipment and safety matting;
• Used recycled plastic which is composite of non-toxic substances such as PP, PE and PET; yet it is more durable than wood, resistant to crack, rotting and is insect proof; has high flexibility in forming desired shapes and curves in different colours;
• A total of 180 tonnes of plastic wastes (equivalent to 5.15 millions of 500ml plastic bottles) and 60 tonnes of scrap tires (equivalent to 6,000 tires) were consumed and saved from landfill; and
• Products can be recycled again at end of life.

• Vegetation used as visual and noise barrier at dog kennels;
• Disturbance to topographical contours was kept to the minimum, and the buildings are set back from the access road to reduce their visual impact to the existing one-storey village houses nearby; and
• Colour and texture of external wall, roof and floor finishes match the natural surrounding.

• Pre-cast concrete units form the underground rescue tunnel for Force Search Unit;
• Fibre glass-reinforced plastic mesh panels form the tracks of the dog exercise pen;
• Steel structure and aluminium roof panels at dog kennel blocks;
• Prefabricated air duct for air-conditioning system; and
• Water pipes from Water Services Department reused as tunnels for dogs' training.

• Electronic valve control flushing for urinals.

• Centralised chilled water plant for air-conditioning can save 20% running cost compared with individual units;
• Heat pump and heat reclaimed from air via total energy heat wheel saves over 15% of running cost;
• A total of 20 photovoltaic panels of 1.2m x 1.2m in size are installed as skylight at Block 3 dog kennel generates around 2kW electricity for pre-heating the hot water;
• Photovoltaic panels also block a portion of direct sunlight into the dog kennel, hence reduce the air-conditioning capacity indirectly; and
• Use of photo and occupancy sensor to control lighting and air-conditioning usage in unoccupied office/lobby.

• UV filter, bio-oxygen generator, and efficient filters are provided for air treatment.

• Exhaust louvres with silencer are located at rear part of the building;
• Organic fertiliser and organic pesticides are used, and organic waste from the lawn is recycled and reused.

• Deposition of building blocks to maximise daylight and prevailing wind throughout the year;
• Visual corridor along east-west axis;
• Circular block at west enjoy open view; and
• Use of methane gas protection layer to allow development on landfill site

• Low-rise development to match surrounding landscape;
• Building services at roof concealed by semi-transparent roof to merge with surrounding slopes.

• Use of CFC-free refrigerant, energy efficient lamp and daylight sensor to save energy; and
• All system to reclaim waste energy from exhaust air

• Use of prefabricated material such as metal roof, sunscreen and air duct; and
• Modular design to reduce waste.