Building our ways into the future where imagination sparks.
Issue
2021.11.19
5 Coolest Green Buildings That Stand Out

While the global temperature keeps rising, our planet is currently trying to support more than 7.8 billion people, and the number is expected to go up to 8 billion by 2023.


Without a doubt, natural resources on Earth are being consumed at a pace faster than ever to meet our demands. This is why it is crucial to find new innovative methods to protect and reuse what the planet provides. Thus, green buildings are an inspiring starting point for us to look at.


Here is TGB Charity's list of the 5 coolest green buildings that inspire us to reimagine the future! 


5. Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch


Located in Taiwan, this exquisite building breathes and blends seamlessly with nature and the historic neighborhood. The esthetic wooden structure and large floor-to-ceiling windows are two of its iconic features.


The library has soon won itself a huge reputation since its opening in 2006.

Opened: 2006 | Use: Library| Design: Bio architecture Formosana
  • Multiple large windows welcome sufficient natural light.
  • The wooden structure keeps the room temperature stable which lowers energy consumption.
  • The roof collects rainwater used for toilet flushes and watering the garden.
  • The solar panels generate the energy needed for lighting during nighttime.

4. Shanghai Tower


Twisting high into Shanghai's busiest district, this magnificent 632-meter skyscraper has won itself a LEED Platinum certification. 


Incorporated with over 40 sustainable technologies, Shanghai tower is capable of reducing power consumption by a staggering 21%, and cutting down its carbon footprint by roughly 37,000 metric tonnes per year.


Opened: 2015 | Use: Offices, hotel, and retail | Design: Gensler

  • The hidden 270 wind turbines can generate over 350,000 kW of electricity every hour. 
  • The 24% structural twist minimizes wind load and reduces building materials.
  • The building collects rainwater and purifies wastewater for indoor use.
  • The curtain wall is home to 24 sky gardens while providing natural ventilation.

3. Vancouver Convention Center


Proud to be the world’s first double LEED Platinum certified green building, this supremely gorgeous building focuses not only on minimizing its environmental impact with multiple green technologies, but also on returning more to nature.


Opened: 2009 | Use: Trade shows, events | Design: LMN Architects

  • The 6-acre living roof is home to more than 400,000 indigenous plants and 240,000 bees.
  • All wastewater from washrooms, stores, and restaurants is recycled for toilet flushes and garden sprinklers.
  • The “scratch” kitchen provides dishes made primarily from local ingredients to reduce carbon footprint.
  • The artificial reef structure rings the perimeter to support shoreline ecology.

2. CopenHill


CopenHill takes sustainability to a whole new level. Its hedonistic perspective expands sustainability to a deeper purpose, making lives more enjoyable.


Topped with its iconic ski slope and multiple wellness facilities, the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy power plant is eyes-forward on assisting Copenhagen to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025.


Opened: 2017 | Use: Power plant, sports facility | Design: BIG Group

  • Converts yearly over 440,000 tons of waste into clean energy enough to power 150,000 homes for all seasons.
  • Provides the locals with a nice ski slope, climbing walls, and other recreational facilities.
  • The rooftop gardens function as a small habitat for birds and bees while absorbing heat to keep the indoor comfy.

1. The Edge


Finally, The Edge, a bright, refreshing, and app-controlled building with an iconic large atrium is the world’s greenest office building.


This perfect example of realizing carbon-neutral and merging sustainability with innovation was honored with the Outstanding BREEAM certification with a score of 98.5 points out of a possible 100!


Opened: 2015 | Use: Offices | Design: PLP Architecture

  • The 15-story atrium floods the workspaces with natural light while creating a loop of ventilation.
  • The solar panels hidden in the facade are capable of generating more electricity than the building uses.
  • Powered by a “digital ceiling”, the building anticipates how much light is needed rather than running at a steady rate.
  • The aquifer thermal energy system below the building replaces traditional air-con to reduce energy consumption.

Natural resources will always be limited, but our imagination and creativity will not. All current green architectures will become the muse for future minds. 


Back in 2019, TGB Charity has planted 1,000,000 trees around the world. Today, TGB Charity encourages you to face up to the issue with us so that together, we can be a part of the change.


Reference:
  • Taiwan Today. https://reurl.cc/ox62Wl
  • Rethinking The Future. https://reurl.cc/95qNMa
  • Eco-Business. https://reurl.cc/ARamG8
  • The ConstructorOrg. https://reurl.cc/emgljM
  • Vancouver Convention Center. https://reurl.cc/RbgGaD
  • North Stars Meetings Group. https://reurl.cc/l52r36
  • Urban Next. https://urbannext.net/copenhill/
  • Dezeen. https://reurl.cc/DZ7kNm
  • Bloomberg. https://reurl.cc/Okg32R

RELATED TOPICS
Can Manny Save the World?
No one can escape! Do we have another chance?
The Earth Has A Deadline

close