One of the Tallest Buildings in the World Gets A Green Roof

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.

Image Credit: themariogrecogroup.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jennifer E.

2:20AM PDT on May 12, 2011

Thank you for this thoroughly enjoyable article! Can't wait to see pictures!

send a green star

Chinmayee J.

2:05AM PDT on Apr 4, 2010

This is great :) Thanks for the article. Yes, this is obviously going to be very expensive, but it will save a lot in the long run, both financially and environmentally! Not to mention, it will be a huge example for all other buildings and skyscrapers in the States and worldwide...

2:04AM PDT on Apr 4, 2010

James M.

11:57PM PST on Jan 9, 2010

now if it could only get cheaper for everyone to do this...

Past Member .

9:25AM PST on Nov 12, 2009

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

Shailja M.

11:26PM PST on Nov 9, 2009

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!!

Lester T.

9:26AM PST on Nov 9, 2009

Really fantastic, great thing to do, more greens please.

caroline g.

1:11AM PST on Nov 9, 2009

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.

Antonio M.

10:04AM PST on Nov 8, 2009

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!