Dubai Burj al-Taqa, first 100% efficient skyscraper

In a world dominated by global warming concerns it’s nice to see that some people are really trying to improve things. Dubai Burj al-Taqa will be world’s first skyscraper that will produce 100 % of the energy needed to operate. All this can be done with help of a wind turbine, 200 feet in diameter, placed on top of the tower, solar panels and special vacuum glazed glass (this product will only be available in 2008).

Everything was carefully thought before going in design phase, the solar panels will be spread over the top of the building and surrounding isles and the vacuum glazed glass will minimise the amount of heat absorbed from the outside extreme temperatures (values over 50 ° C are not uncommon in Dubai), thus reducing inside temperature and the need for powerful air conditioning.

The main ventilation system will use a convection principle to suck  cold air from ground level to the top of the tower. Of course there will be air conditioning, but it will use seawater and underground cooling units that will lower the temperature to 18  ° C. A special solar shield will cover 60 % of the building, ensuring that no room will be exposed to direct sunlight. Diffuse lighting is tempered with the use of mineral coated glass. When finished, there’s no doubt that Dubai will host the most efficient skyscraper in the world, Burj al-Taqa, a perfect blend of luxury and efficiency.

Source: Metaefficient