The 508-meter-high Taipei 101 was certified as the world’s tallest environmentally friendly building by the U.S. Green Building Council July 28, according to Taipei Financial Center Corp., owner of the skyscraper.
Taipei 101 received a platinum award under the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ranking system, topping other green structures in height, floor space at roughly 150,000 square meters, and number of tenants, with 90.
“This award shows that environmental protection is not just an expense—over time it will save more money and even earn a profit,” TFCC Chairman Harace Lin said. “We can get our investment back in just two years of savings on our electricity bill.”
TFCC first announced its greening program in 2008, but decided to apply for platinum level documentation, the highest standard in the rating system, in 2009.
The firm said it spent NT$60 million (US$2.08 million) improving operations and maintenance in the skyscraper to meet requirements for certification.
“Improvements include power- and water-saving retrofits, solid waste reduction and energy efficiency optimization,” Lin noted.
Interior air quality was enhanced through the installation of air conditioners that detect humidity and carbon dioxide density and make fine adjustments automatically, the company said. The building’s CO2 levels will soon reach 600 parts per million, well below the national standard of 1,000 ppm, allowing employees and visitors to enjoy fresh air, according to the company.
To expand its green space, Lin said, Taipei 101 also adopted a neighboring park.
“We expect annual savings of 14.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, worth NT$36 million off our power bill,” Lin said. “In the next three years water consumption will also be cut by 18 percent,” he added.
USGBC Chairman Mark MacCracken praised Taipei 101 for meeting the strict standards for platinum certification while dealing with so many tenants in the building. (THN)
Write to Aaron Hsu at pj1210meister@mail.gio.gov.tw