Recent developments in sustainable environmental systems of tall buildings

Abstract

Tall buildings are often criticized for their high-energy consumption and, therefore, regarded as unsustainable. But this characterization is misleading when considering other factors such as the efficiency of land use, embodied energy in materials and construction, consolidation of infrastructure and resources, and mixed uses that combine transportation, living, working, recreation and entertainment into a vertical city. Early skyscraper architects used natural light and ventilation to facilitate human comfort and used organic materials such as stone, glass, wood, concrete, and terra cotta for cladding and finishes. With the advent of fluorescent lighting, modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and thermally sealed curtain walls, tall office buildings no longer had to rely on natural light and ventilation to provide comfort. Energy efficiency was not a significant factor when the operational costs of buildings were relatively inexpensive. However, today's skyscrapers must meet or exceed stringent green building standards and, consequently, become more efficient and sustainable. Advances in environmental systems and their integration into the overall building design allow designers to achieve high performance. This chapter will show how sustainable environmental systems do not act alone but are integrated with advanced curtain wall systems, sky gardens, and atria to regulate and sustain thermal comfort, conserve energy, and enhance livability to achieve high performance.