How extreme can we go in greening our economies? The Kingdom of Bahrain seems to have an answer through extreme green building design.
World Trade Centre Bahrain located in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, stands tall with three wind turbines generating wind energy. In a world where energy security and emission reductions have taken centre stage, the case study of green building design in Bahrain gives evidence of the momentum gained by sustainable architecture. The green architectural marvel stands tall with 50 storeys and 240 metres in height, the first of its kind to integrate wind technology into building design.
Many countries can learn lessons on how to integrate architecture with environmental sustainability. If green building design is successfully scaled up, taking a leaf from Bahrain, it is quite clear that the carbon footprint of buildings will be reduced. History was made in 2008 when the building became the first building to be integrated with wind turbines.
Designed by leading architects Atkins, the World Trade Centre Bahrain is the epitome of building sustainably.
The three wind turbines have proven capability of generating a combined wind power of a magnitude of 675 KW – each turbine contributing 225 KW. Between 11 to 15 percent of the energy needs of the building are met by the wind power generated through the wind turbines. The azure skyline of Manama is blessed to have the wind turbines supported by the twin towers, making it stand out amongst all buildings in the skyline of Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The building is evidence that buildings can integrate sustainable and green concepts. The result is massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Dubbed the jewel of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain takes the lead in mainstreaming sustainability in buildings