What is a green building? Simply put, it’s the environmentally-conscious construction (and operation) of buildings. In other words, these are the buildings that use renewable sources of energy, have less power consumption and have a minimal carbon footprint. For obvious ecological reasons, this kind of constructions are becoming more common. That is why we present you the top 5 masterpieces that have the attribute of the being green.
1. Bahrain World Trade Centre
It is the first high-rise in the world to have wind turbines in its design. The two towers are linked to each other via sky bridges and each of them holds 225 kW wind turbine. These turbines feed in 11-15 percent of the total power consumption.
2. Shanghai Tower
It is the tallest tower in China and is a proud owner of LEED Platinum certification. It uses 40 percent less water and 21 percent less energy. The wind turbines are installed on the top floor and used in exterior lighting and parking areas. The shape of the building is such that it makes it optimal for rainwater harvesting. The technologies used in this building lower the total carbon footprint.
3. 7 More London Building
Known as London’s most eco-friendly building, the building is highly intelligent as the IT system here allows every worker to control the luminance and temperature at their workstations. This building has 4,500 seats and a staff of 6,300 has been involved in various initiatives like using recycling waste, recycling wasted heat to maintain the temperature of the building, reusing cooking oil and usage of solar thermal panels on the rooftop.
4.Bank of America, New York
Located in Manhattan in New York, the tower gets heated by sunlight, uses waste water and rain water and is designed in the way to provide maximum natural light. The building is the first in its segment to attain a Platinum LEED Certification, it is an internationally recognized green building certificate that assesses the sustainability of buildings and settlements.
5. Clock Shadow Building
This building has slashed its total energy consumption by 50 percent through using sunshades and natural lighting. The rooftop is used to produce vegetables while storm water is used in toilets. The building has reduced its total water consumption by 60 percent by recycling rain water.
In addition to being characterized as environmentally-conscious objects that consume less energy and do not pollute the environment, according to the Environmental Science & Technology, the living conditions of people who live and work in such buildings are improved and they feel better in health.