Zero-Energy Building Skyscraper

The first zero-energy building (ZEB) skyscraper will open this fall in Guangzhou, China. The building, called the Pearl River Tower, was designed by architects from the Chicago-based SOM firm. It is a 71-storey skyscraper that will use solar and wind systems to produce power to fuel itself. Because much of the power used in skyscrapers is in place to cool the building and offset heat gain from sunlight, indoor lighting and computer usage, the tower will use solar panels to operate perforated metal blinds on the building's windows. The blinds will automatically track the sun and open and close accordingly to minimize heat indoors. Other heat-minimizing features will enable the Pearl River Tower to use an air conditioning system that is 80 percent smaller than those in conventional skyscrapers.

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