Hadera Courthouse

A pioneer project in Israel achieving a nearly net-zero energy design. The first public assembly building in Israel to target Near- Zero- Energy Building.

Achievements

The first public assembly project in Israel to achieve 3 stars under Israeli Standard SI-5281.

Energy rating A; HVAC at COP 5.8 – 13% more efficient than code

214 kWp rooftop PV, roughly 55% (!) of the buildings energy consumption.

External thermal insulation, architectural shading, and an ecological pond

Background

The Hadera Courthouse was the first public assembly building in Israel to target nearly net-zero energy design, aiming for at least 80% overall energy savings vs. standard practice, through an integrative design process with the developer and design team.

Approach

It followed a 3-step methodology: (1) passive architectural design — optimized orientation, thermal insulation, external shading, window areas and specs; (2) energy-efficient MEP systems — LED lighting, high-efficiency inverter chiller, variable-speed drives; (3) maximized on-site renewable energy via a rooftop solar PV system of over 230 kWp.

Israel’s first nearly net-zero public assembly building, 80% net zero energy.