The Sears Tower is following in the Empire State Building footsteps and going green. This is awesome considering buildings worldwide account for 50 to 70% of carbon emissions. The Sears Tower holds 20,000 people – one building the size of a small village… so it isn’t surprising that it used a lot of energy. Luckily the 110 story Sears Tower is going to go under a $350 million renovation project to make it greener.
Part of the renovation is they are turning the rooftop of the Sears Tower into a Plaza. They will also add a 50 story hotel next door that will have “net zero” use of energy. After the green renovations to the Sears Tower, the electricity usage is expected to be cut by 80%. Wow! Some of the changes that will be made are:(According the the Chicago Sun Times)
- Granite plaza to be replaced with green space, new retail, permeable pavement and, along Adams Street, a solar-powered digital display for news and event information.
- Lobby “learning center” to demonstrate the latest in energy production and conservation.
- Replacement of 16,000 windows and metal panels to save heating energy by up to 60 %
- New mechanical systems to incorporate fuel cell technology.
- Advanced lighting controls will adjust to movement and daylight.
- Elevators get new motors that go on or off almost instantly to adjust with demand.
- Escalators get motion detectors.
- Solar hot water panels on 90th floor roof will heat water for the restrooms.
- New plumbing fixtures will cut water use.
- Wind turbines and green roofs will be tested at various levels except the tower’s antenna roof.
- Programs for tenants include bicycle sharing and recycling of paper and electronics.
The whole renovation is expected to take five years. By the end of the renovation, the Sears Tower will be no more, because the name is changing this summer to the Willis Tower. Cheers to a future green Willis Tower! Hopefully more buildings will follow.
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