The Crystal – a sustainable cities initiative by Siemens – has been certified ‘Outstanding’ by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment (BREEAM).
The unique, crystalline-shaped, ‘all electric’ building located in the Royal Docks uses solar power and ground source heat pumps to generate its own energy, meaning no fossil fuels are burnt in the building.
The design of the building’s structure, including its innovative glass-clad façade, provides additional insulation, solar control and natural daylight, taking energy efficiency to a new level.
The Crystal incorporates rainwater harvesting, black water treatment, solar heating and automated building management systems. The building features charging stations for electric vehicles and will be part of the Source London charging network.
The Crystal covers an area of more than 6,300 square metres, including the world’s largest high-tech exhibition on the future of cities which opened to the public in September 2012 and has already attracted 83,000 visitors.
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