China’s Solar Switch

Chinese government looks to the sky to reduce dependence on subterranean energy sources.

Chinese cities are some of the most polluted on the planet, and China is now the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide. While China’s “dirty dragon” image is certainly justified, the Chinese govermment has recently shown it is committed to sustainable energy; Beijing is investing heavily in domestic solar power generation, and ambitious long-term goals may see China develop into a key player in clean energy technology.

With Beijing’s stated desire to host a “Green Games” in mind, over 1,000 solar panels now carpet the curved roof of Beijing’s National Indoor Stadium, and a 130 kilowatt solar energy system has been installed in the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Solar-powered streetlights have also been erected throughout the Olympic Village, and in select suburban areas.

In its drive to go solar, China has benefited from a little overseas help. Constructed under a collaborative partnership between the Italian and Chinese governments, the innovative and snappily-titled Sino-Italian Ecological and Energy-Efficient Building (SIEEB) has just been unveileld at Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University. Designed to maximize passive solar capabilities and fitted with state-of-the-art active solar elements, the SIEEB is a “dynamic energy-efficient oasis that optimizes its urban location with ecological considerations”.

A creation of Italian architect Mario Cucinella and the Milan Polytechnic, the SIEEB is designed to educate and showcase possibilities for energy-efficient construction, particularly with regard to minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The building has a symmetrical layout with photovoltaic arrays providing shade and capturing solar energy. Pivoting glass louvers with reflective coating cover exterior walls to regulate daylight and solar gain. The northern-facing walls are heavily insulated and mostly opaque to provide protection against Beijing’s winter cold.

The SIEEB houses the Sino-Italian Cooperation Program for Environmental Protection, a bilateral partnership for education, training and research, with a focus on energy conservation and emissions reduction. The building and the program are both intended to help define China’s future energy strategy, which is of global significance considering the country’s current heavy reliance on coal.

Images: Inhabitat

Rate this post:

No rating yet