“Greener thinking” was never so much talked about as it is today. Every country is looking for more ways to earn the position in the most sustainable and eco friendly countries of the world. You must be hearing everyday about the new funds allotted for greener initiatives, eco friendly projects or policies and the ways to use energy efficiently. The reason is that we are on the verge of complete depletion of resources that were once abundant. To remain sustainable we have to look for ways that can ensure a smarter and better planet.
Keeping this in mind many companies, hotels and residential buildings are being built which are supporting this thinking. Here is a list of top buildings that are greener and smarter:
Bullitt Centre, USA
This is a commercial building built in Seattle, USA and one of the greenest buildings in the world. The building uses rainwater harvesting and employs ways to use solar energy. It will last for 250 years with features it uses like concept of radiant heat, waterless and composite toilets, greywater treatment, regenerative elevator and geothermal system.
Northern Arizona University
This university is a pioneer in the greenest buildings in the world. The campus has a special office of sustainability and has many activities related to its green initiative. It also has set a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2020. The building uses solar energy to fulfill its energy requirements. The design of windows and roof is in a way that allows for maximum ventilation.
Bank of America Tower
Located in Manhattan, New York, US this is a 1200 ft long skyscraper completed in 2009. COOKFOX architects built it and it cost around $1 billion to Bank of America. It has a platinum LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) certification. The building is designed to achieve daylight in all the rooms. It consists of double-glazing that reduces heat transfer into the building, has a rainwater harvesting system and is itself made of concrete and other recycled products like slag. There is a under floor air system which maintains the temperature of each room accordingly.
India Tower
India Tower is a building in Mumbai, India still under construction. This is one of the tallest buildings in India and recycled materials are being used to build it. The building’s design is such that it makes maximum use of solar power for energy and daylight access and will ensure rainwater harvesting.
Council House 2, Melbourne
City of Melbourne council occupies this building in Melbourne, Australia that has a six green star rating. The building has been built in a way that it has 85% less electricity consumption and less carbon emissions compared to its counterparts. The building has reduced its water supply and has solar panels for hot water. It also has its own waste disposal system.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Building, London
The PricewaterhouseCoopers Building is located in London on the side of river Thames. The building is credited “outstanding” by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology). The building is a renovation from its earlier dull version to an energy efficient building. PV panels cover the roof and to provide power and heat wind turbines and fuel cells are used.
Masdar city, Abu Dhabi
Masdar city project is very close to the city of Abu Dhabi and it is still a work-in-progress. British architectural firm Foster and Partners is designing the city funded by government of Abu Dhabi. This is going to be the headquarters of International Renewable Energy Agency. It is also going to be the centre to Masdar Institute of Science And Technology. The building has a wind tower that by sucking air pushes a cool breeze throughout the streets of the city. 87,777 solar panels power the building that has movement sensors installed to cut down water and electricity consumption and therefore it has no switches or taps.
Residence Antilla
Located in one of the busiest cities of India, this 27-storied building or rather home belongs to business tycoon Mukesh Ambani. It will act as a carbon filter to the rest of the city because of its lush green rooftops. The architects of the building stated that the building will result in greener space and will cut down local heat.
Summary
Environmentalists are coming up with new ways that can help to achieve the target of greener planet. We as an individual should make sure that we employ their ideas in every way we can.
