The new building of the Dutch Institute of Ecology in Wageningen is, not surprisingly, hugely energy efficient - almost all its electricity and heating is self-produced via solar panels and thermal collectors. Even the 'products' from the toilets are treated and reused.
But what's really unique about the new building is that almost all materials of which it's constructed can be reused. Everywhere you see untreated wood; you just have to unscrew it and you can build something else with it. The outer walls are all glass, known as the ultimate recyclable material. And the floors are nothing more than polished concrete; at the end of its life you can crush concrete and re-create it.
It ultimately provides a building that's not only special to look at, but above all it has virtually no carbon footprint. When you don't need it any more, it's simply a matter of dismantling it, leaving no mess.
(as/ae)
Email this Video
Printer-friendly version
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.