Eco Factor: Eco-friendly structure designed to harvest rainwater and reduce energy consumption.
The Horizontal Scraper is the brainchild of designers Rae Won Noh, In Ki Kim, Jeong Tae Kim, Hyo Bin Jung and Jang Ook Lee and has been conceptualized to reduce the environmental impact of high rise buildings. Unlike conventional skyscrapers, the Horizontal Scraper rests above the ground level on roofs of existing buildings.The 15-story tall structure “floats” on the skyline without blocking natural light necessary for the buildings underneath. The mixed-use structure provides space for residences, offices and recreation areas. The rooftop is adorned with green garden with sports facilities. Moreover, the roof also includes rainwater harvesting systems, which help in reducing solar heat gain as well.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by an electric engine.
The urban world of tomorrow not only needs vehicle that are powered by clean energy, but need them to be compact so that they don’t use up much space on the overly crowded highways. Auto designer Raphael Morais recognizes the challenges and has come up with a concept vehicle perfectly suited for such environment.Christened Seat Flexus, the zero-emission vehicle is powered by electricity and adopts a compact form to ease parking. Instead of conventional air-filled tires, the vehicle uses next-gen Tweels reducing need for car maintenance.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by a hydrogen/electric hybrid engine.
Auto designer Ryan Jacobson believes that the auto industry has spent too much improving conventional technologies to suit the future. With new technologies constantly being developed, the designer aims to use them in next-gen vehicles that are powered by clean energy. Ryan has conceptualized a shape-shifting trike that explains his vision.Christened Dissent Magneto Sport, the zero-emission trike has an extensive list of components and features. The vehicle is powered by a magnetic levitation propulsion system that sources power from the onboard batteries and hydrogen. The adjustable all-wheel drive vehicle can alter its shape according to the speed.The Dissent moves its two front wheels closer to each other when the rider is accelerating and traveling at high speeds. However, when the rider brakes or is traveling at slow speeds, the two wheels move outwards to better stability.
Eco Factor: Sustainable twin towers look into minimizing energy consumption.
Designed by Plasma Studio, the Datong Twin Towers is a mix-use complex that flaunts its extraordinary design and sustainability. Planned to be erected on a 70,000sqm area, the green structure was recently awarded first prize in an invited competition in Datong, Shanxi province. It will house a hotel in one tower and offices in the other.Depicting the architectural firms’ geometric obsession, the towers will include low-energy ventilation design in its interior along with parametric differentiated facade concept, which will help in minimizing energy consumption and maximizing ambient quality and expression.
The central light well between the towers is surrounded by shared public spaces. There is also room for pedestrians and greenery. The lowest level has a common public lobby, while the towers end on an accessible roofscape. The twin towers hold the potential to become a landmark for China.
Eco Factor: Mountain-like business district incorporates wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation system.
Those deprived of the pleasure of living in the serene and beautiful hills could get the same feeling in the “Magic Mountains.” This sustainable urban development proposed for Chongqing, China is one crazy plan by the CEBO/Chongqing University team. Resembling prismatic mountain peaks, the new green business district creates an exciting new skyline with inhabited peaks.
Magic Mountains are made from glass and steel. It is loaded with sustainable feature such as passive cooling and heating, wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation system. These water and energy efficient systems will rest on the open green valleys. In order to cut down carbon emissions substantially, bicycles and pedestrian paths could be used to get around the city.
Efficient public transportation system will lead to reduction in car usage. All these green features will bring down the overall consumption of resources and energy by 22%. The renewable energy produced in the Magic Mountains will replace 11% of conventional power.
Eco Factor: Sustainable residential development designed to reduce energy consumption.
Broadway Malyan Architects have come up with a sustainable proposal for a residential development in Dubai. Christened “The Diamond”, the 17-story tall structure takes full advantage of the spectacular views and proximity to the beachfront and adjacent neighborhood center.
Every apartment in the building enjoys unobstructed views, without sacrificing on good levels of privacy. Designed to provide high levels of sustainability, the architecture responds directly to the movement of the sun to reduce solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency.
Designed to create a dramatic sea front pair of residential towers, the twin-tower architecture is set on top of a mixed use podium overlooking the surroundings. The terraced sun deck helps in enhancing the eco-credentials of the building while reducing solar heat gain.
Eco Factor: Outdoor umbrella generates power for recharging portable devices.
Konarka Technologies, an innovator in development and commercialization of Power Plastic (a material that converts light to energy), is working to make sure that power for your portable devices is available anywhere. The firm entered into a technology partnership with SKYShades one year ago and lately, SKYShades received its first shipment of Konarka Power Plastic thin film. SKYShades is one of the global leaders in supplying shade and tension membrane structures. This lightweight thin film, which converts light to energy, will be used by SKYShades to create the Powerbrella, an innovative way to charge your laptop, cellphone or other portable devices outdoors.
Designed for use at outdoor venues such as cafés and restaurants, hotel and resort swimming pools and outdoor lounges, the Powerbrella incorporates the Power Plastic on the surface of SKYShades’ retractable and fixed architectural SKYbrella. Testing for the Powerbrella has been done in 2008 at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando. Physics students at Lake Highland checked the effectiveness of the Powerbrella to withstand the elements, its ability to generate clean green energy and the amount of resulting power that could be stored in batteries for reuse.
Other than generating energy from the solar panels, the Powerbrella will also offer people coverage from the sun. The Powerbrella is expected to go on sale by Q3 of 2009.
Eco Factor: Energy-efficient Air Conditioning system from Ice Energy.
Ice Energy has developed an energy-efficient way to reduce the energy required by air conditioners installed in small to mid-sized commercial buildings. Ice Bear, as the system has been named, stores off-peak power in the form of ice to reduce daytime energy consumption, which isn’t green and is obviously expensive.
Taming the jungles in your backyard definitely requires some patience, especially if you’re doing that during summers. Those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their air-conditioned living rooms for the sake of a clean garden must try the Southern RobotX. Equipped with tank-like treads, the lean machine can tackle just about any terrain and with the effective cutting units, the system promises you clean lawn in just minutes.
The unit is operated by a remote control, which features an easy-to-use joystick. The feature that attracts us most is its self-charging system that approximately consumes 40% less fuel than a conventional ride-on lawnmower. The system is powered by an electric motor, the batteries of which are recharged by the gas motor which is used to power the cutting unit, so you don’t always have to worry about a dead battery leaving the mowing job half done.
Eco Factor: Cold storage facility powered by solar energy.
Perpetual Power has announced the completion of a 416KW DC solar installation on a Budweiser cold beer storage facility in Contra Costa County, California. The 2,240 panels, which cover about 60% of the 110K-aquare-foot building’s energy needs generate about 600,000KWh of energy which would result in an annual savings of approximately $100,000.
The 15-story tall structure “floats” on the skyline without blocking natural light necessary for the buildings underneath. The mixed-use structure provides space for residences, offices and recreation areas. The rooftop is adorned with green garden with sports facilities. Moreover, the roof also includes rainwater harvesting systems, which help in reducing solar heat gain as well.
