One of the Tallest Buildings in the World Gets A Green Roof
posted by: Beth B. 17 days ago
The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, has been an iconic part of the Chicago skyline for many years. And now, thanks to plans for a major energy efficiency overhaul, it may give visitors and residents in the Windy City something even more important to think about.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the tower is spending about $200 million to $300 million to upgrade its energy efficiency and become more “green” overall.
And this doesn't just mean they're switching to CFLs or upping their recycling goals.
Built in the 1970's, when the idea of energy conservation seemed laughable, and bigger always meant better, the Willis Tower was constructed with single-pane windows that leak around the edges and let in hot air in summer and cold in winter, lights everywhere and inefficient electric heating throughout.
Sara Beardsley, a senior architect at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture in Chicago, pointed out that these are serious design flaws that have a big impact on the buildings energy consumption.
"Each old window is like a car driving around," Beardsley told the Chicago Tribune. "And people don't think of it that way -- it's just a window. But I think maybe we need to start thinking about it that way."
The article mentions that replacing the 16,000 window with new, more efficient ones is estimated to be enough to cut heating needs by 50 percent and allow for new, smaller mechanical systems with a significantly lower environmental impact. A plumbing upgrade is expected to reduce water usage by 24 million gallons a year.
But that's not even the most exciting part of the project.
Already plans are underway to create a "green roof" on the buildings 90th floor. Although the altitude means that only mountain vegetation can be grown there, metal meshing (too keep the plants from blowing away), sod and plants have already been brought to the building site.
The Tribune reports that "in design plans, the "green roof" project would be expanded to the building's multiple roofs, along with wind turbines and solar panels."
When completed, the greening of the Willis Tower will help to keep millions of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere. The engineers and architects working on the project hope that this renovation will inspire other buildings to seek the same level of efficiency, which could eventually help reduce demand for energy from fossil fuels.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the tower is spending about $200 million to $300 million to upgrade its energy efficiency and become more “green” overall.
And this doesn't just mean they're switching to CFLs or upping their recycling goals.
Built in the 1970's, when the idea of energy conservation seemed laughable, and bigger always meant better, the Willis Tower was constructed with single-pane windows that leak around the edges and let in hot air in summer and cold in winter, lights everywhere and inefficient electric heating throughout.
Sara Beardsley, a senior architect at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture in Chicago, pointed out that these are serious design flaws that have a big impact on the buildings energy consumption.
"Each old window is like a car driving around," Beardsley told the Chicago Tribune. "And people don't think of it that way -- it's just a window. But I think maybe we need to start thinking about it that way."
The article mentions that replacing the 16,000 window with new, more efficient ones is estimated to be enough to cut heating needs by 50 percent and allow for new, smaller mechanical systems with a significantly lower environmental impact. A plumbing upgrade is expected to reduce water usage by 24 million gallons a year.
But that's not even the most exciting part of the project.
Already plans are underway to create a "green roof" on the buildings 90th floor. Although the altitude means that only mountain vegetation can be grown there, metal meshing (too keep the plants from blowing away), sod and plants have already been brought to the building site.
The Tribune reports that "in design plans, the "green roof" project would be expanded to the building's multiple roofs, along with wind turbines and solar panels."
When completed, the greening of the Willis Tower will help to keep millions of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere. The engineers and architects working on the project hope that this renovation will inspire other buildings to seek the same level of efficiency, which could eventually help reduce demand for energy from fossil fuels.
Read more: architecture, global warming, energy efficiency, carbon emissions, green roof
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Al Gore is the seven headed media beast right out of Revelations
watch this video NOW
American Holocaust the Dust Bowl, stock market crash and Great Depression resulted in the deaths of an estimated 7.5 million Americans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO-eVe2xJZs
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Al Gore is the seven headed media beast right out of Revelations
watch this video NOW
American Holocaust the Dust Bowl, stock market crash and Great Depression resulted in the deaths of an estimated 7.5 million Americans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO-eVe2xJZs
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Wonderful, commendable news indeed.
Wishing in my NYC, improvements can be made. $300 million is a tall order. When visiting top of Empire State Building or the Rock, charging $ 20-40 baseline to reach the heights, profits should definately be deffered to the environment. W/ 50% reduction in heating/ cooling / water expenses, the building see quick returns on their investment.
IF ONLY OBAMA can REINSTATE FDR'S WORKFARE VS WELFARE PROGRAM, and let nyc's jobless assist in such greatness. During the great depression they built 4 floors of Empire State Bldg every week!!
Once again, "thumbs up" to all involved in making The Windy City - GREEN. Perhaps NYC will see the light... and follow your lead!!
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Really fantastic, great thing to do, more greens please.
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How exciting is this. I only realized recently that buildings contribute about 1/3 of the pollution in the air and doing some of the changes they are planning on the gorgeous Sears (Sorry Willis)Tower. I will really, really love that building even more.
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That's great news! The the greening of old buildings will keep the CO2 emissions and spent less fossil fuels. It's good to the ambient and also economize energy!
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Probably the most important building with a green roof in the world - The Greek Treasury - opposite The Greek Parliament - Athens, Greece - The birthplace of planetary democracy, and indeed Western Civilisation.
Photographs @ http://oikosteges.gr/index.php/photogallery
Article in English on page 32 @ http://www.insider-magazine.gr/Insider78/index.htm
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It's hard to imagine that the Sears Tower (I still haven't accepted the Willis Tower moniker) only had ONE pane of glass for every window from the outset. Still, the plans for greening up the old boy are impressive; I can only hope other buildings here in Chicago will do something similar. Adding plant life to the various roofs of the building is just plain cool! City Hall has a huge rooftop garden and it's incredible, to say nothing of the benefits. I'm a happy camper reading this news!
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Kudos to those who want to green a roof anywhere!! I am so pleased to hear about this and hope many more buildings follow suit. Concrete, metal and glass of these wonderful buildings and cities hold so much heat and that makes our cities warmer. Green everything we can and recycle or use less.
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This is just awesome!!! What a wonderful example to set for other businesses for whom it will probably be much easier and simpler than for the Tower and kudos to the leaders willing to move forward and do what;s right!! Way to go!!
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