Landmark Skyscrapers Go Green
The owner’s of New York’s Empire State Building have settled on a series of upgrades that include replacing all 6500 windows with insulating windows. Under every window, radiators are to be padded with extra insulation. The buildings lighting, cold water and ventilation systems will also be upgraded.
Chicago’s Sears Tower announced last month they were also going to be undergoing a green renovation. The 110 storey, staggered skyscraper, which turned 36 this year, will crown its rooftops with solar panels, wind turbines and up to 3250 metres squared of sunlight-absorbing gardens.
When complete the improvements will cut the Tower’s annual electricity by 80% and save 90 million litres of water, property managers say.
(Cape Times, 14 July 2009 )
