China’s tallest building scores for energy efficiency

 

The Shanghai Tower, which will be China’s tallest building when finally completed in 2014, is using on-site power and cogeneration to power its vast operation.

Topping out ceremonies were held this week to mark the completion of the core structure of the tower, when the last beam was placed on top of the 632-meter (2,073-foot) building designed by global design and architecture firm Gensler.

Wind turbines located directly beneath the parapet generate on-site power for the upper floors of the building, with a 2,130kW natural gas-fired cogeneration system on site providing electricity and heat energy to the lower floors.

Meanwhile, the tower’s outer skin insulates the building, reducing energy use for heating and cooling. The tower’s spiralling parapet collects rainwater, which is used for the tower’s heating and air conditioning systems.

Overall, the $2.2bn Shanghai Tower’s sustainable strategies will reduce the building’s carbon footprint by 34,000 metric tons per year.

Source: COSPP