The World’s Largest Solar Energy Office Building Shines in China

This vast fan-shaped compound in China is the "<a href="http://www.china.org.cn/environment/2009-11/30/content_18979869.htm">largest solar-powered office building in the world</a>". Located in Dezhou in the Shangdong Province in northwest China, the 75,000 square meter structure is a multi-use building and features exhibition centers, scientific research facilities, meeting and training facilities, and a hotel - all of which run on <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/solar-power">solar power</a>.

The design of the new building is based on the sun dial and "<em>underlines the urgency of seeking renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels.</em>"

Aside from the obvious sustainable nature of the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/solar-power">solar panel</a> - clad exterior, other green features include advanced roof and wall insulation practices resulting in an <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/energy">energy</a> savings of 30% more than the national standard.

In addition, the external structure of the building used a mere 1% of the amount of steel used to construct the Beijing Bird's Nest.