Technology - China's Pearl

Model of Pearl River Tower.

     Net Zero Energy Buildings are considered the platinum standard of sustainable building. The principle is to design and build edifices that produce there own energy from renewable sources on site. This includes the use of energy management systems, solar panels, and efficient heating systems. That is why the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China is turning some heads.

     This 71 story supertall building relies on not only photo-voltaic cells, and solar panels but also has several wind turbines to power this green tower. The tower also utilizes energy efficient elements such as double skin curtain wall, chilled ceiling system, under floor ventilation air, and daylight harvesting. The building was design and built by world renown Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill and architect Gordon Gills

Rewards:

2010 • Chicago Athenaeum • Green Good Design Award

2008 • Spark Awards • Green, Carbon-Lowering & Environmental Category: Gold Award

Links: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_River_Tower

http://www.som.com/content.cfm/pearl_river_tower

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=475

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ashrae/hpb_2008winter/index.php?startid=23