Eco-Friendly Architecture: Top 6 Sustainable Buildings Around the World

Due to the severe impact of climate change, the construction industry's top priority is reducing carbon emissions. As a result, many remarkable structures worldwide now incorporate sustainable building strategies.

(Photo : Pexels/Scott Webb)

6. CopenHill, Denmark

CopenHill is a waste-to-energy plant that was created with an environmentally friendly strategy. It was constructed with the objective of Copenhagen, Denmark, to be designated the first carbon-neutral city by 2025. Besides its shape, the 10,000 square meter green roof serves as both a ski slope and a hiking trail, making it an architectural element that stands out from the crowd. Such an extensive green roof unquestionably contributes to preserving biodiversity on the site, absorbing heat and filtering the air. Moreover, it serves as a recreation center that promotes activities for all ages. It is not only a power plant but also a public space.

5. The Friendship Hospital, Bangladesh

The Friendship Hospital in the rural Bengal delta was constructed using a low-cost and environmentally friendly design method. Instead of being classified as a high-tech structure, this tower employs sustainable architecture principles by implementing passive design, which regulates temperature and utilizes natural ventilation to decrease dependence on artificial energy. Building blocks resembling pavilions are used to create courtyards that allow air to circulate through the wards while offering covered areas for resting outside.

4. The Crystal, UK

London's Greenwich neighborhood is home to The Crystal, a venue for hosting events near the Royal Docks. The building's heating comes from ground-source heat pumps, and the structure is entirely powered by electricity. As mentioned, more than 20% of the building's total electricity consumption is created by the energy that is generated by solar power. In addition to showcasing Siemens' environmental portfolio, the center was an initiative led by Siemens to promote sustainable urban living and display technology that enables sustainable urban life.

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3. Olympic House, Switzerland

One of the buildings considered to be among the most environmentally friendly in the world is the Olympic House. Accordingly, it is equipped with solar panels and heat pumps that draw water from Lake Geneva to generate renewable energy. Compared to other buildings of a similar nature, it is designed to consume 35% less energy while simultaneously improving the health and well-being of those who use it. Olympic House, a demonstration of the International Olympic Committee's dedication to leading by example, achieved the most stringent international and local sustainability certifications by pushing the boundaries of sustainability.

2. Museum of Tomorrow, Brazil

This innovative scientific museum is an outstanding example of sustainable engineering and is often regarded as one of the most extraordinary structures in the world. It is located in Rio de Janeiro. An air conditioning system that uses the nearby bay modifies the museum's temperature. In addition, solar panels that can be moved and adjusted to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout the day are used to construct the spines of the skyscraper.

1. Shanghai Tower, China

Built in 2008, this 128-story structure in the heart of Shanghai ranks as the second-tallest structure in the city. Within the tower itself, there are several environmentally friendly elements. In addition, the Shanghai tower has been constructed to collect rainwater for use within the building, and the twist in the design provides a 24% reduction in wind load. Accordingly, around 350,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity are produced annually by wind turbines dispersed throughout the building.

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