Do you know that, as per UN experts, more than 6 billion people will live in cities by 2050? This prediction generates the need to accommodate the staggering population in future cities in a sustainable manner. A solution? Sustainable skyscrapers.
Many experts believe that green skyscrapers are the most efficient and sustainable way to deal with this alarming issue. And some of the greenest skyscrapers in the present time prove this belief to be true. So, here are the top 10 greenest skyscrapers in the world.
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Top 10 greenest skyscrapers in the world
As global warming continues to be a major concern, these skyscrapers are inspiring examples of how cities can reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the benefits of modern infrastructure. Read on to learn more about these remarkable buildings and their unique features!
1. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China
The 128-story Shanghai tower is the third tallest skyscraper in the world. However, there is a lot more to the tower than its height. The 270 wind turbines and 25000 glass panels used in the skyscraper save up to 54 percent on energy consumption.
The tower also has 21 gardens that help to regenerate the air. Rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling are some other important measures employed in the building to ensure sustainability.
2. Bahrain World Trade Center Towers, The Kingdom Of Bahrain
One can only be in awe after seeing the Bahrain World Trade Center towers in the kingdom of Bahrain. The majestic twin towers have three sky bridges that hold wind turbines generating renewable energy.
In addition, the high-quality solar glasses and sloping balconies ensure that the temperature remains cool in the towers, further reducing energy needs.
3. The Commerzbank Tower, Frankfurt
The 53-story triangular Commerzbank tower is the first ecological office in the world. The tower has been exclusively run with green energy since its completion in 2008.
The building also holds sky gardens on nine levels that purify the air and ensure the optimal temperature. And the unique feature of the building is that it holds a habitat for endangered peregrine falcons on its roof.
4. China Resources Building, Hong Kong, China
With few modifications, this 50-story iconic skyscraper has been turned into one of the world’s most technologically advanced green buildings. The China Resources Building has a glazing system that allows only 5 percent of the solar light to enter the building, thus cooling the building.
In addition, the efficient artificial lighting and demand control ventilation (DCV) system saves around 1300 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
5. One Central Park, Sydney, Australia
The One Central Park in Sydney is renowned for having the world’s tallest vertical city garden. The 350-plus plant species in the building reclaim the air, cools the building, and are the major reason why the building saves up to 50 percent on energy consumption.
In addition to energy-saving measures, the building also has an extensive water recycling program. The rainwater is harvested, and the wastewater from irrigation is recycled, which constitutes up to 70 percent of the non-drinking water needs of the residents.
6. The CIS Tower, Manchester, England
While the skyscraper was built in 1962, reinforcements were made in 2005, turning the building into the UK’s largest vertical solar-energy program.
The solar panels and 24 turbines produce around 180,000 units of clean energy that saves around 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
7. The Gherkin, London
When the Gherkin was completed in 2004, it was one of London’s most sustainable skyscrapers. And, even after 18 years, the building is still green.
The cone shape of the skyscraper works to maximize the natural light, and a cooling system draws air through panels in the facade, minimizing the energy requirements of the building.
8. Oasia Hotel, Singapore
At the center of Singapore’s architecturally developed central business district stands the 27-story Oasia hotel.
Covered with climbing plants, the building is nothing short of an architectural marvel. Several open sky terraces cool the air in the building, saving a large amount of energy.
9. Bank Of America Tower, New York City, USA
Situated in the most populous city in the USA, the Bank of America Tower is the first high-rise in the world to get a LEED platinum certification.
The high-rise is known to save around 100 million gallons of water per year. Additionally, the building also has its generation plant that generates 4.6 megawatts of clean energy per year.
10. Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan
It won’t be wrong to say that some of the most technologically advanced buildings are in Taiwan. Taipei 101 is one of them. The most impressive feature of the building is the water sensory system.
The motion sensors control the flow of water, which saves about 28,000 liters of water per year. The energy-efficient lamps and luminaries also reduce energy consumption by 18 percent.
The need for green skyscrapers
In recent years, there has been an enormous increase in the global energy demand, especially in urban areas. This energy demand is met by using non-renewable sources of energy like coal which omit a huge amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) like carbon dioxide. This has led to the alarming problem known as Climate change.
There is also a drastic decrease in rain due to climate change, leading to a water shortage. Thus, the rainwater available should be put to maximize use by any means possible. Moreover, the stiff increase in global population demands new places of accommodation. This demand is met by creating new buildings, further accelerating deforestation and promoting climate change.
Green skyscrapers are the best solution since they are designed to generate renewable energy and use less water. They also guarantee maximum available space utilization, which plays a very significant role in curbing the growing population’s demand. Thus, green skyscrapers are the ideal eco-friendly infrastructure we need to ensure a sustainable future.
Read also: Green building: principles, materials, pros and cons of sustainable architecture
