Four sustainable building lowering carbon emissions
Whilst every home on the planet emits some greenhouse gasses, these four hot, sustainable building designs have been built to absorb unpleasant emissions.
Across the world, scientists are working on innovative ways to reduce the levels of greenhouse gasses. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, among others, are harming our atmosphere, and sustainable buildings could be the answer to eliminating them.
Marine biologists scan the oceans for data on sea life, whilst biodiversity scientists study animals from polar bears to frogs, to understand the impact climate change has had on these creatures.
Architects have brought their knowledge, dreams and visions to build the homes of tomorrow. Making a smaller impact on our environment with innovative designs, they deserve our recognition.
Here are four designs built to fight global warming and pollution.
- Milan, Italy
After Milan was labelled the most polluted city in Europe in 2008, the local government set itself the task of improving its carbon footprint.
The city has organised a driving ban at certain hours, but Italian architects decided to beautify the city in a way that would help reduce pollution.
The high rise buildings, also known as “Vertical Forests”, were built using plants to actively support the city in its fight against pollution.
25,000 carbon dioxide sucking plants have been built into the towers – reminding the rest of the city to make an effort in keeping their city air clean.
- Vertical farms
As previously reported in CleanTech News, innovators have thought outside of the box – literally! There has been a move from traditional farming, to vertical farming which promises a ‘green revolution’.
From disused warehouses to shipping containers, farmers can grow leafy greens and vegetables, in the enclosed spaces.
Farmers are able to control the temperature, lighting and how much water the plants receive, meaning that none of these elements goes to waste.
Farming is ‘growing up’ – fit for the 21st century.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Although Denmark is not a European country bordering the Alps, you can still go skiing – even on your lunch break.
In what is undoubtedly the most innovative design, Copenhagen’s Amager Bakke plant is a waste-to-energy building.
Waste from residents and companies in the Danish city is delivered to the factory and burned, the heat of which is then used to heat the city.
Amager Bakke is built in such a shape that keen skiers can enjoy a warm and breezy day on the slopes.
As previously reported by CleanTech News, Copenhagen plans to be carbon-neutral by 2025 and with designs such as this, it will be hitting the target.
- India
India has some of the most densely populated cities in the world and with this, high levels of pollution.
After the COVID-19 lockdown lowered these emissions, stunned locals in Delhi were able to see the Himalayas for the first time in decades.
Further south, in the city of Pune, architects and gardeners have worked together to create vertical gardening on the city-wide metro pillars. Making a beneficial and beautiful way to absorb carbon dioxide and emit more oxygen.
Plants are secured into a climbing frame against the walls in question and a drip irrigation mechanism is used to feed the plants recycled water.
Pune is two hours from Mumbai, another Indian city which is making huge strides in narrowing its carbon footprint. With their dedication to beach cleanups, community groups are pushing for reusable plastic to become mainstream.
What is clear, sustainable buildings are making a huge impact on our environment and innovative architects are making steps towards a cleaner future.