10 of the World’s Greenest Buildings

Building greener buildings is essential part of every serious environmental policy. The carbon neutral world is not reachable just with “living green,” but it’s necessary to “live in green” as well. Here are ten greenest buildings that are just the beginning of the world’s changes toward sustainability.

1. Bank of America, New York

This is probably one of the the greenest buildings in the world today. The 54 storey building is constructed to use the natural daylight as much as possible, but the sun is also wisely used for collecting solar energy. The rainwater is reused; the raw materials used for construction are made from renewable and recycled sources from New York area. This skyscraper is real role model for future green architecture practice.

2. Crystal Island, Moscow

The Crystal Island is experiment about sustainable areas of the Russian government, designed to house over 30,000 people in only one building. It generates its own energy, using the wind and solar energy as much as possible, while the construction enables easy regulation of the extreme temperatures in Russia.

3. CH2, Melbourne

Located in one of the world’s greenest countries, CH2 sustainability potential has been recognized by United Nations as well, because of sewage recycling, wind turbines, thermal mass cooling, photovoltaic cells etc. The City of Melbourne expectations are that all these features will pay off for only ten years. However, the most important is that it has successfully sent the message that the sustainability is easy reachable with the right efforts.

4. Cor, Miami

Cor in Miami has all that it takes to be considered as on e of the world’s greenest buildings, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, shading for natural cooling, usage of solar energy etc. However, this piece of art is different from others – this is definitely the most beautiful green building ever.

5. BMW Welt, Munich

BMW has not gone green with their cars yet, but their building in Munich gives hope. It uses the solar energy as much as possible, thanks to the steel panels on the roof and the external façade. The double cone building shows at it best that the green architecture is not just good for environment, but can also be very beautiful.

6. India Tower, Mumbai

The second most populated country in the world has started taking steps toward green living. The building of few misaligned is actually more intelligent designed than it looks like. This strange design enables rainwater reuse, solar shading, and exceptional day lighting and natural ventilation. The building has achieved the US LEED Gold Rating.

7. Burj Al-Taqa, Dubai

It was impossible to write about the latest architecture wonders without mentioning the Emirates on the Arabian Peninsula. The Burj Al-Taqa is self-sufficient building that produce solar and wind energy with zero emission. The building also has an incredible air conditioning system that draws the air from outside and cools it with seawater before distributing it around. As many other constructions, Dubai leaders once again proved that they can set architecture standards anytime they want.

8. Masdar, Abu Dhabi

Masdar is not only one building, it is a whole city. People of Masdar will have the opportunity to live in a city that produces zero emissions and no waste. The main reason why it would be so clean is the fact that Masdar will be car free, as well as the solar panels and wind turbines. However, inhabitants will never be more than 200 meters away from any public transport.

9. Clinton Presidential Library, Little Rock

After the green updates back in 2007, the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas, became one of the LEED Platinum winners. Despite the usual usage renewable energy sources, the recycling capacities were significantly increased, but the most notable solution of the architects was the top roof garden, which goal was rainforest harvesting and regulation of temperature.

10. Residence Antilia, Mumbai

It’s always nice to see when people go green with their households. Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani did so, and the Residence Antilia was built. Believe it or not, his family lives in 70 storey eco-friendly building designed according to the Vastu tradition. 70 storeys are too much for single family, so not all floors will be occupied – most of them are gardens in the sky.

Tags: architecture, building, design, eco buildings, eco friendly, featured, green, live in green, photos, sustainability

Category: Art, Design, Environment