Abstract

Highly glazed skyscrapers with a green label are increasingly becoming a corporate icon. This research serves to examine the reasoning behind - and hence validity of - the different forms of green recognition these glass towers are continuously awarded, keeping in mind their dependency on external energy sources. Are these buildings being designed for longevity?
As the realization that the world’s energy resources are limited comes to light, the Green Building Movement is increasingly embraced by both the developed and developing countries alike. Since the highly glazed towers have come to illustrate a brand-image corporate symbol world-wide, methods of making this type of architecture sustainable are sought.
This paper will study the validity of providing the iconic glass skyscrapers of today with a “green” label, and examine whether their recognition as being examples of sustainable architecture is justified. This will be illustrated through showcasing a series of case studies of glass buildings in various countries that have achieved some type of recognition for their sustainable properties.
This research will review the energy performance of the selected buildings and the science behind the claim that “green” office buildings result in greater productivity. It will also use the examples to discuss the role of the aesthetics attached to these brand-image buildings, how it effects their energy efficiency and hence compatibility with the Green Building Movement.