Green Building Award 1

Here, from Skidmore Owings and Merrill is one of the best building energy ideas I've seen in years. Any number of buildings have begun to incorporate vertical wind turbines, but SOM has pushed the idea a huge leap forward. The Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China will locate the wind turbine in a venturi. Just a small breeze will produce energy due to the increased wind speed created by the venture. A strong wind will produce a lot of energy. At the altitude the venturis are located, the Pearl River Tower should expect to receive a great deal of wind energy most of the time. The venturis may even improve structural stability by allowing strong winds to pass through the building instead of inflicting tipping forces on it. In addition to the venturis, the building incorporates other green energy tools including solar panels, a double skin curtain wall, chilled ceiling systems, under floor ventilation air systems, and daylight harvesting.

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