Going green in their old age
When it comes to environmental kudos, ultra-modern buildings usually steal the headlines.
And while the foundations of most historic buildings were laid long before the green construction boom, many of these structures are not the energy-sucking venues that you might expect. In fact, thanks to well-planned renovations, some century-old skyscrapers are among the greenest buildings on the planet.
The following buildings - best known for their historical significance and notable design - have also been recognized for their outstanding environmental friendliness, proving that the green revolution isn’t just for new buildings. (Text: Josh Lew)
Related Link: The five most important green buildings
1. Ca' Forscari Palace, Venice
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
People think a lot of things when they first see the headquarters of the Ca' Forscari University of Venice. It is a 15th-century Gothic palazzo that sits on a prime piece of real estate overlooking the famous Grand Canal. Like many similar buildings in Venice, this one is as impressive for its timeless atmosphere as it is for its historic design. But Ca' Forscari has another distinction that sets it apart from the rest: it is the oldest building to ever receive LEED certification.
Renovations and upgrades to reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy-efficient are a part of the university’s overall sustainability efforts. These efforts are hardly a bid for publicity. Rising sea levels associated with global warming directly affect Venice and threaten the very survival of the historic buildings that now sit at water level along the canals. So in taking up the cause of sustainability, the university is, in a way, championing its own cause as well.
Related Link: Structures so green they give back to the environment
2. U.S. Treasury Building, Washington, D.C.
One of Washington D.C.,'s most prominent structures, the U.S. Treasury Building, was built in the first half of the 19th century. It is one of the oldest federal structures in the capitol and was named as a National Historic Landmark in 1972. In 2011, after a series of upgrades, the building was given LEED Gold status.
More efficient heating and cooling systems, a heavier reliance on natural light sources, and new policies on sustainable supplies and landscape management all helped the Treasury building's greening efforts. There is a practical aspect to these new environmentally-friendly features. As a government institution, it is funded by taxpayers, so in a small way, less energy consumption inside the building means fewer tax dollars spent on day-to-day operations.
Related Link: Working in a green building feels good
3. The Empire State Building, New York City
After a two-year effort to upgrade its facilities and practices, the Empire State Building was awarded LEED Gold status in 2011. This skyscraper has been the centrepiece of New York City's iconic skyline for more than 80 years. The green upgrades were part of a larger US$500 million renovation.
After the project was completed, the Empire State Building's overall energy consumption was reduced by 38 percent, which will lead to millions of dollars in operational costs saved every year. In addition to more efficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems, the building has a new recycling program and a policy of using nontoxic cleaning products. There is also a plan to purchase enough renewable energy to make the Empire State Building completely carbon-neutral.
Related Link: Top 10 green buildings
4. Colorado State Capitol, Denver
The Colorado State Capitol in Denver achieved greater energy efficiency through a series of building upgrades. The structure was the first state capitol in the country to earn LEED status. The renovations will eventually pay for themselves because of significantly lower energy and operational costs.
In addition to the kind of heating and cooling upgrades that most building on this list undertook, the capitol received new lighting and new energy metering and control systems. Environmentally-friendly landscaping practices and non-toxic cleaning products were also a part of the greening efforts. Built in the same style as many other state capitol buildings in the U.S., the Colorado State Capitol was first opened in 1895. Even after the significant renovations, the historic appearance of its interior and exterior remains unchanged.
Related Link: 5 hot green building materials for 2013
5. Linde + Robinson Laboratory, Pasadena, California
Caltech's Linde + Robinson Laboratory is a new environmental sciences centre created inside an existing astronomy building that was first constructed in 1932. This is, in many ways, the perfect example of the possibilities of adding state-of-the-art eco-friendly upgrades to an existing building.
The renovations, funded in part by a grant from the famous university itself, took the use of natural light to a whole new level, with various reflectors and mirrors carrying sunlight as far as the basement. Solar panels and a state-of-the-art radiant ceiling panels provide heating and cooling in the laboratories with an absolute minimum use of energy. The labs even have “smart” ventilation systems that will cut back on air flow until they sense certain gases that need to be vented out. All these upgrades were done without much change to the exterior structure of the classic building.
6. The Sullivan Centre, Chicago
One of the finest examples of classic Chicago-style architecture, the Sullivan Centre (formerly known as the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building) features ornate decorative metal work and the almost excessive use of windows. The building was originally constructed as a retail space and housed Carson's Department Store until 2006. Today, it is still used for retail purposes, though it also houses offices.
The building fell into a state of disrepair in recent times, but an extensive restoration effort has given the iconic structure much of its lustre back. In addition to external renovations (which garnered praise from design and architecture experts), the building benefited from a major greening effort that earned it LEED certification. Sitting in the heart of Chicago on State Street, the building remains a major site for architecture enthusiasts who come to the surrounding Loop area in search of classic buildings that hearken back to Chicago's heyday.
7. India's ITC Maratha Hotel, Mumbai
Photo: ITC Maratha Hotel
The Maratha Hotel, a palatial five-star inn in Mumbai, has earned LEED Platinum status along with seven of its sister hotels, all run by Indian luxury chain ITC. The other properties are in Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, and Agra (where the famous Taj Mahal is located). Not only is the Maratha attempting to be carbon neutral, it also has designs on balancing its water usage and solid waste so that it leaves zero footprint in these areas as well. The Maratha, which boasts a classical Indian design with hints of colonial architecture, looks, on the surface like a luxury-at-all-costs kind of venue. That's why its LEED Platinum status and zero-footprint efforts are especially worth mentioning.
Related Link: 10 green hotels worth a visit
8. White Stag Block, Portland
Photo: UO Portland
The White Stag Block sits in Portland's Old Town district. The “block” is actually made up of three buildings that have been merged into one property. “Historic” is not just an adjective for the White Stag Block. The buildings were put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Now used mainly by the University of Oregon, the property was redeveloped in the early 2000s and received LEED Gold status once it was reopened in 2008.
Recycled materials were used extensively in the design (98 percent of the materials for the renovation were salvaged) and a premium was put on natural light. Low-flow plumbing and energy-efficient lighting fixtures were added. A rainwater collection system was also installed. The White Stag Block's renovation has an impact beyond its buildings. It has inspired other similar renovation projects in Old Portland, revitalizing the area and putting the spotlight on the practice of renovating older buildings.
Related Link: Top 10 green U.S. cities
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please adhere to proper blog etiquette when posting your comments. This blog owner will exercise his absolution discretion in allowing or rejecting any comments that are deemed seditious, defamatory, libelous, racist, vulgar, insulting, and other remarks that exhibit similar characteristics. If you insist on using anonymous comments, please write your name or other IDs at the end of your message.