The Unisphere – A sustainable architecture: Net-Zero Design

Sustainable design practices reduce CO2 emissions and minimize the adverse effects of construction on the environment. The aim is to create buildings which have as little impact on the surrounding ecosystem and biodiversity as possible. Another advantage of adopting sustainable design practices is energy efficiency which is achieved by decarbonisation of the building’s energy supply i.e. reducing carbon-based energy consumption by generating renewable energy on-sight and by procuring locally generated renewable energy.

This new direction for green architecture has been labeled as ‘Zero-net Carbon Design’ so a shining example of ‘Zero-net Carbon Design’ is the ‘Unisphere’ in Maryland, USA which is the largest net-zero commercial building in the US with no operational carbon footprint. The building is powered completely by renewable energy and is an embodiment of the sustainable design practices which are essential for the future of architecture. The Unisphere achieved its Zero-net Carbon status by incorporating innovative energy-saving strategies into its design. With 3000 solar panels, a quarter-mile long underground concrete maze which moderates temperature and acts as a natural ventilation system, and 52 geo-exchange wells, the building generates excess power during peak production which it then utilizes at night/off-peak times.

Nguồn: GRC Insights