Issues: International Issues

Energy efficiency
Since energy use can account for 50 percent of a building's operating costs and create nearly all of its carbon dioxide emissions, saving energy was a major focus of the building's designers. Solar panels on the roof produce power for 5 percent of the building's needs. A rooftop heat recycling system captures nearly 78 percent of heat loss. More energy savings are gained from energy efficient elevators, the insulating effect of a vegetated roof and efficient light fixtures. Windows can be opened to allow fresh air to enter when temperatures are moderate. When they're closed, a film on the glass panes prevents heat from passing through, keeping out heat in the summer and holding warmth inside during Beijing's cold winters. A variable flow air conditioning system works only as hard as it needs to, saving energy at periods of low demand. During construction, energy was saved by buying locally produced materials whenever possible.

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