Only $20 million of the $500 million budget for upgrading the Empire State Building (1) is being spent on energy efficiency. But, with expected savings of around $4.4 million per year, ROI is guaranteed within five years. Eight measures were identified as the most cost-efficient. These include retrofitting 6,500 windows (double to triple glazing, low-e film), installing a new lighting system (with daylight and occupancy sensors), modernising existing chiller plant and installing an energy-management system for more user-control over consumption. The aim is to reduce overall energy consumption by 38 per cent. In Germany the Deutsche Bank’s twin high-rises in Frankfurt (2) are going green. Consumption of heating energy is to be slashed by 67 per cent and CO2 emissions by 55 per cent. New triple glazing is to be fitted, with half of all the windows being openable (3). A single combined heating and cooling system is to be installed. The slimmed-down mechanical systems, coupled with a new interior design, free up valuable space. Rainwater and grey-water systems aim to reduce water consumption by 43 per cent. And 98 percent of all the waste generated during the refurbishment process is to be recycled.
