The Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until the 2,717 foot Burj Khalifa was completed in Dubai last year. It houses 101 floors above ground and 5 below, including a multi-level mall and hundreds of restaurants and clubs.
As if the building didn’t stand out enough, Taipei 101 set out to make a name for itself in a new category. With the help of dream team EcoTech International, Steven Leach Associates, and Siemens’ Building Technologies Division, Taipei 101 began to improve its energy efficiency three years ago. Cooling systems were changed and a scientific system of energy modeling and audits made a huge impact on the building’s green persona.
Though the restoration venture was expensive, the outcome is worth every penny. “We started improving energy efficiency in 2007 and in the three years to 2010, we have already made that money back,” said Cathy Yang, vice president of the tower division of Taipei 101.
It’s incredible to see a seven-year-old skyscraper awarded LEED platinum certification – the highest level of achievement in the LEED system. Buildings large and small around the world are now running out of excuses.
+ Taipei 101
Thanks for the tip Vickie Wang!
It is amazing how this project keeps making the headlines for the right and wrong reasons. In terms of green skyscrapers, this project shows how much and how fast the return can be just by investing in energy efficient systems. As the effect of global warming continues to increase, there is no doubt that buildings owners needs to look at the bigger picture and start investing on energy efficient systems. Thank you for sharing.
It is an achievement and others will have to ask themselves why are they doing things the same old inefficient way after reading that they made back their money in a short turn around. The other implied issues such as why was the building constructed and what parameters are we looking at and willing to recognize in our nations, institutions, culture and personal achievements to establish or define us as great also come through this article. The idea that having the tallest or biggest means something to a majority, is something we may each want to consider if the concept is even sustainable in the future based on current common practices.