Sustainable technologies are being implemented in projects of all sizes and shapes throughout the World. Europe’s tallest building, the 980’ Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, Germany features operable windows, extensive natural lighting, and gardens throughout – which purportedly reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to similar structures.

In New York, the highly visible 48 story Conde Nast office building on Times Square has become a show-case as the city’s first ‘green’ skyscraper. It features photovoltaic panels and two huge fuel cells for electrical needs as well as a gas-fired chiller and flatplate heat exchang-er to reduce energy usage by 40% while emphasizing air quality and use of natural light. At around $125 per square foot, it’s construction costs were 4-5% greater than a more conventional building of similar size.

On the residential side, 20 River Terrace - Battery Park City, a 27 story glass and brick luxury residential tower embracing green technology is projected to reduce energy consumption by 35% compared to similar more conventional buildings in Manhattan. Photovoltaic panels create about 5% of its energy requirements and a grey water recycling system reduces water usage by as much as 50%. It features a rooftop garden, greatly improved indoor air quality, and many energy saving devices for each of its 293 units.

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