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The Crystal-SeimensAt the end of September, electronics giant <a href="http://www.siemens.com/entry/cc/en/">Siemens</a> is set to open <a href="http://www.thecrystal.org/_html/index.html">The Crystal</a>, a think tank dedicated to improving our knowledge of urban sustainability. The crystalline building houses offices, exhibition space and conference facilities to bring leaders together to advance sustainability. Located at the end of the Royal Victoria Docks in London, The Crystal is a solar powered, super sustainable project with the ambitious aim of achieving both LEED and BREEAM certification.1
The Crystal-SeimensThe Crystal is a landmark building from electronics powerhouse, Siemens and serves as their flagship hub dedicated to urban sustainability.2
The Crystal-SeimensInspired by London's Crystal Palace, which showcased the newest technologies of the Industrial Revolution back in 1851, the new Crystal showcases the latest sustainable technologies.3
The Crystal-SeimensThe center is located right next to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-first-cable-car-the-emirates-air-line-opens-today/">Emirates Air Line tram</a> across the Thames and houses public exhibition space, conference facilities, research offices as well as a restaurant, café and shop.4
The Crystal-SeimensSiemens hopes to use the £30 million building to bring together mayors, city decision makers, urban planners, architects, engineers, policy makers and experts from around the world in order to advance knowledge and improve urban sustainability.5
The Crystal-SeimensDesigned to meet both LEED and BREEAM certification standards, The Crystal is composed of numerous integrated sustainability strategies.6
The Crystal-SeimensThe all electric building utilizes ground source heat pumps for energy efficient heating and cooling, which is powered by rooftop photovoltaics and supplemented with solar hot water heating.7
The Crystal-SeimensState of the art building energy management ensures that electricity is used efficiently, while natural ventilation and daylighting help reduce energy use.8
The Crystal-SeimensRainwater is harvested and blackwater is recycled for toilet flushing and for landscape irrigation.9
The Crystal-SeimensThe facility also provides electric vehicle charging and sends excess energy back to the grid when it is not needed.10
The Crystal-SeimensExhibits inside the centre educate visitors about the building's sustainability as well as urban sustainability.11
The Crystal-SeimensNatural daylighting works to reduce artificial lighting.12
The Crystal-Seimens“Siemens is establishing the Crystal in order to help find solutions for making the world’s cities more sustainable. It will serve as a centre for dialogue, learning and discovery.” Roland Busch, CEO, Infrastructure & Cities Sector, Siemens AG13
The Crystal-SeimensDiagram of The Crystal's sustainable strategies.14
