CASE STUDY THE EDGE, AMSTERDAM 7 Read the text and answer the questions below. The Edge is a 40,000m² office building in the Zuidas business district in Amsterdam. The building demonstrates that a vibrant working environment can be combined successfully with the highest levels of sustainability. achieving The building is not only energy neutral but also energy positive. The Edge uses 70% less electricity than comparable office buildings. The roof and the south-facing facade incorporate the largest of photovoltaic panels of any European office building, and an provides all of the energy required for heating and cooling. array aquifer thermal energy storage system , movement, lighting levels, humidity and temperature are continuously measured using smart technology – the building systems respond to maximise efficiency. But the real of The Edge is not just the reduction in water and energy use of its own users, but also the project’s role as a , high-quality example of new technologies, new ways of designing, and new ways of working. Occupancy outcome feasible The atrium acts as a between the workspace and the external environment. Excess ventilation air from the offices is used again to air condition the atrium space. The air is then ventilated back out through the top of the atrium where it passes through a heat exchanger to make use of any warmth. buffer area Rainwater is collected on the roof and used to toilets, and irrigate the green terraces in the atrium and other garden areas surrounding the building. flush What kind of building is the Edge? What is the Edge a demonstration of? What does the sentence “the building is energy positive” mean? How is energy produced? How is energy efficiency maximised? What is rainwater used for? GLOSSARY to achieve: realizzare aquifer thermal energy storage system: sistema di deposito dell'energia termale di falda idrica array: assortimento buffer area: zona cuscinetto feasible: fattibile to flush: pulire (con lo sciacquone) occupancy: occupanza outcome: risultato