Post 13: Green Buildings, a Helicopter Pad, and Fish
Yesterday we visited two green buildings. This means that everything from the architecture of the building to the efficiency of the electronics and the energy sources are optimized to make the building more sustainable.
For example, the buildings had plenty of landscaping and green spaces that absorb any rainwater that falls on the property. They also had green roofs to cool the building down. The buildings payed close attention to how they used glass. They use a lot of glass to maximize natural light, but they also pay attention to the type of glass used and the shape of the windows. The glass is mixed with aluminum and the windows are installed at an angle which reflects some of the sunlight to avoid overheating. All the lights inside are LED, and rainwater is collected to use for watering the plants and for the toilets. The water is also used to cool the buildings using cooling towers on the roof, and the buildings have their own diesel generators in case they need to be off the grid for awhile. The second building we visited also had a regenerative system where the heat given off from the generator is used to power it.
Here's some pictures of the first building we visited...
For example, the buildings had plenty of landscaping and green spaces that absorb any rainwater that falls on the property. They also had green roofs to cool the building down. The buildings payed close attention to how they used glass. They use a lot of glass to maximize natural light, but they also pay attention to the type of glass used and the shape of the windows. The glass is mixed with aluminum and the windows are installed at an angle which reflects some of the sunlight to avoid overheating. All the lights inside are LED, and rainwater is collected to use for watering the plants and for the toilets. The water is also used to cool the buildings using cooling towers on the roof, and the buildings have their own diesel generators in case they need to be off the grid for awhile. The second building we visited also had a regenerative system where the heat given off from the generator is used to power it.
Here's some pictures of the first building we visited...
This building also had a really cool reflecting pool that we had to take pictures with.
The second building had a lot in common with the first, except it also had a helicopter pad with an incredible view!
After the green building visits, we went back to our hostels to work on our projects for awhile, and then I went out with a few people to a seafood restaurant right down the street. This was not any seafood restaurant, either. It was some of the best food I've ever had. Everything was super fresh and the atmosphere of the place was so cool. It was a really good time, and I'm glad we went.
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