A newly built commercial complex in Tokyo has been touted as one of the most sustainable construction projects in the world.
The complex serves as the headquarters of Japanese architecture, engineering and general contracting firm, Shimizu Corporation, which claims that the structure "emits the world's least amount of CO2."
Every aspect of the new building's design has been conceptualised with sustainability in mind, its architects being aware of Japan's lack of natural fuel resources.
One of the eco-features is the air-conditioning system, which makes use of radiant heat.
Water hoses run under ceiling boards like capillary vessels. By adjusting the temperature of the water circulating in the hoses, the temperature of the ceiling board surface is controlled.
Some 2,000 sq m of photovoltaic panels on the façade generate much-needed green power which provides daytime lighting throughout the building. This façade system is also coupled with intelligent shading devices which position themselves automatically, depending on the sun's movement, to optimise natural day-lighting, thus reducing CO2 emissions by 90 per cent in comparison to regular lighting systems.
The completion of the new Tokyo headquarters, opened on August 1, is an example of Shimizu's pledge for sustainable architecture. Says the company: "By the end of the year 2015, Shimizu will reduce CO2 emissions down to 70 per cent through fine-tuning of air-conditioning and lighting facilities as well as adopting further energy-saving systems.
Finally, Shimizu will offset the remaining emissions by creating emission rights to realise Zero
The complex serves as the headquarters of Japanese architecture, engineering and general contracting firm, Shimizu Corporation, which claims that the structure "emits the world's least amount of CO2."
Every aspect of the new building's design has been conceptualised with sustainability in mind, its architects being aware of Japan's lack of natural fuel resources.
One of the eco-features is the air-conditioning system, which makes use of radiant heat.
Water hoses run under ceiling boards like capillary vessels. By adjusting the temperature of the water circulating in the hoses, the temperature of the ceiling board surface is controlled.
Some 2,000 sq m of photovoltaic panels on the façade generate much-needed green power which provides daytime lighting throughout the building. This façade system is also coupled with intelligent shading devices which position themselves automatically, depending on the sun's movement, to optimise natural day-lighting, thus reducing CO2 emissions by 90 per cent in comparison to regular lighting systems.
The completion of the new Tokyo headquarters, opened on August 1, is an example of Shimizu's pledge for sustainable architecture. Says the company: "By the end of the year 2015, Shimizu will reduce CO2 emissions down to 70 per cent through fine-tuning of air-conditioning and lighting facilities as well as adopting further energy-saving systems.
Finally, Shimizu will offset the remaining emissions by creating emission rights to realise Zero