German Parliament Building to be Greenest in the World
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany 
on 03.27.08
That big glowing dome on Berlin's skyline? Soon it will be even greener. Plans are underway to make the Reichstag, Germany's parliament building, the greenest parliament building in the world. Beginning this summer, the building will run solely on renewable energy. Power will come from water, wind, and solar energy -- instead of biofuel generators currently housed in the basement, coal, and nuclear supplies.
The Reichstag -- which already boasts several green features -- received an extensive renovation in the late 1990's, namely a glass cupola designed by famed British Architect Norman Foster. The cupola taps passive solar power and soaks up natural light: Combined with well-insulated 19th-century walls, the building retains heat in winter and needs little cooling in the summer.
The building has a long, checkered history. In 1933 it burnt down..the act was blamed on Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, who lost his head for the crime. via ::The Guardian Get inside it with ::Second Earth: the World Wide Sim Also see ::McLaren Technology Centre by Foster and Partners ::Powering 4000 Homes: One Wind Turbine
Image top: Courtesy of HGM2004. Image bottom: Courtesy of Foster + Partners
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- How to Go Green: Alternative Energy
- Focus on Focus Earth: "24" Pledged to Go Green More Than A Year Ago; Is It Carbon Neutral Yet?
- One State Consumes Half the Energy Per Capita of the Other 49--Guess Who?
- Fred Mascherino on His Veggie Rabbit, Fire and a New Band Called 'Initials'
- DIY Solar Power Without Photovoltaic Panels
- Why Rely on Questionable Energy Star Labels? Take Matters Into Your Own Hands with a Home Energy Monitor
Comments ()
