How extreme can we go in greening our economies? The Kingdom of Bahrain seems to have an answer through extreme green building design.
World Trade Centre Bahrain located in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, stands tall with three wind turbines generating wind energy. In a world where energy security and emission reductions have taken centre stage, the case study of green building design in Bahrain gives evidence of the momentum gained by sustainable architecture. The green architectural marvel stands tall with 50 storeys and 240 metres in height, the first of its kind to integrate wind technology into building design.
Many countries can learn lessons on how to integrate architecture with environmental sustainability. If green building design is successfully scaled up, taking a leaf from Bahrain, it is quite clear that the carbon footprint of buildings will be reduced. History was made in 2008 when the building became the first building to be integrated with wind turbines.
Designed by leading architects Atkins, the World Trade Centre Bahrain is the epitome of building sustainably.
The three wind turbines have proven capability of generating a combined wind power of a magnitude of 675 KW – each turbine contributing 225 KW. Between 11 to 15 percent of the energy needs of the building are met by the wind power generated through the wind turbines. The azure skyline of Manama is blessed to have the wind turbines supported by the twin towers, making it stand out amongst all buildings in the skyline of Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The building is evidence that buildings can integrate sustainable and green concepts. The result is massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Dubbed the jewel of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain takes the lead in mainstreaming sustainability in buildings
Author
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Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.
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