Beijing's Green Central Business District Plan
China may have a poor human rights record and the most polluted skies on Earth but at least some aspects of the Chinese government are directing their thinking in the right direction. The country released concept pictures detailing their plans for the overhaul of capital city Beijing’s Central Business District, revealing a lush urban landscape.
The SOM plan defines new strategies for building municipal infrastructure and high performance buildings. Implementation of the plan could reduce energy consumption within the district by 50%, reduce water consumption by 48%, reduce landfill waste by 80%, and result in a 50% reduction in carbon emissions. Reduction in emissions from office buildings alone would equate to a reduction of 215,000 tons of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent of planting 14 million adult trees.
SOM, architectural firm responsible for designs
