There is a building in Hamburg, Germany, and developed entirely by algae. Inside the glass panels is a green liquid which can see small bubbles rising to the surface. This is the result of having a bio-reactor built into the facade, which heats the 15 floors in the building. The motor is a micro algae, and the principle is photosynthesis.
Therefore, the building itself is heated actually. The balcony is like an aquarium with all the algae growing there. Also, this is a “passive house”, ie maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature without heating, which also means saving money.
To prepare for winter, the building has underground shops of the heat produced during the summer, which can then be used several months later.
But it is not just heating. The project is also designed so that the dead algae can be collected and used to make a nutritional supplement that is rich in minerals.
Related Articles
Green Building Infographic
The Future of Green Building is Called Sustainability Base
USGBC’s Green School Building Resources
Environmental Revolution: Building and Operations
The Extraordinary Growth of Green Building
Green Building Environmental Benefits
Green Buildings Combat Climate
Green Buildings Health and Performance Benefits Part 1
Green Buildings Health and Performance Benefits Part 2
Green Building Economic BenefitsGreen Building Social Benefits
Green The Many Benefits of Natural Lighting
Green Buildings: The Many Benefits of Ventilation
Green Schools Serve our Collective Best Interest
The Future of Green School Buildings
Benefits of Green Roofs
Types of Green Roofs
The Green Roof Industry is Growing Fast
The Benefits of Cool Roofs
The Academic Superiority of Green Schools
USGBC’s Center for Green Schools
The Federal Government’s Green Ribbon Schools
The Basic Elements of a Green College
A Green School is a High Performance School
