The Green Blog

November 05, 2007

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So I know I’m a fashion designer and all, and I should really only be interested in pretty fabrics and waif-like, 6 ft tall giants, but damn it all, I can’t help but shake that I should be doing more! I originally was going to pursue a degree in architecture, and though that obviously changed, I still find such an appreciation in well thought-out design and urban planning. Living in New York, I see new buildings or massive reconstruction happening every few blocks, but I also know that there are some very exciting things happening all over the world that we should be aware of!

After doing a bit of research, I came across some interesting projects that have are all in various stages of completion, and after educating myself a bit more about the increased concern of global warming and the detrimental footprint we continue to leave, I thought it best to share the information with you all. Did you know that while transportation and industry are both sources of extreme gas emissions, buildings are actually responsible for the biggest share of CO2?

“The good news: no other sector offers cheaper ways to cut emissions and save energy. This photo gallery presents examples of green architecture that could help protect our climate.” (Taken from National Geographic)

The German Reichstag
Visitors walk inside the glass dome of the German Reichstag parliament building in Berlin. The building's energy system is based upon a mix of solar energy, geothermal power, combined heat and power, biofuel generators, and innovative ventilation. Special insulation limits heat loss.
More than 80 percent of electricity needed is generated internally. A geothermal installation cools the building in summer and provides heat in winter. Annual CO2 emissions are thus reduced from 7,000 to less than 1,000 tons.

(Photo: Reuters)

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