Is the Wuhan New Energy Centre in China the world's most sustainable office building? Grontmij and Soeters Van Eldonk have designed an eco-friendly tower in the shape of a flower--the calla lily, to be exact. The Wuhan New Energy Centre will have zero carbon emissions and, thanks to its solar panel-covered exterior, will even boast net zero energy.
The office building will collect rainwater for its water supply, and use wind turbines to generate wind energy. The 140 m tall Wuhan New Energy Centre will be surrounded by laboratories in the form of leaves. Construction begins in November 2010.
Flower-Shaped Towers
The Wuhan New Energy Centre is the World's Most Sustainable Office Building
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Office Buildings - There is opportunity for disruptive innovation in designing eco-friendly office spaces with features such as zero carbon emissions, net zero energy, and the use of renewable resources like solar panels and wind turbines.
2. Rainwater Collection Systems - Disruptive innovation can be pursued in developing and implementing rainwater collection systems for buildings, allowing for more sustainable and efficient water usage.
3. Renewable Energy Integration - There is potential for disruptive innovation in integrating renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines into building designs, enabling a move towards more sustainable energy sources.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry can explore opportunities for disruptive innovation in designing sustainable buildings that prioritize energy efficiency and renewable resources.
2. Green Building Materials - The green building materials industry has the potential to disrupt the construction sector by developing and promoting materials that are more sustainable and energy-efficient.
3. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can innovate by developing more advanced and efficient technologies, like solar panels and wind turbines, for integration into building designs.