Taiwan's tallest skyscraper undergoes $1.9m green facelift

Taiwan's Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, is getting a $1.9m (£1.1m) green overhaul aimed at reducing its energy and water consumption by 10 per cent.

The 101-storey skyscraper is undergoing an 18-month renovation to upgrade its heating, cooling and ventilation systems. An additional measure being considered by the building's owner, Taipei Financial Center Corp (TFC), is a piping structure that would transport rainwater to flush the toilets.

Meanwhile, energy-efficient light bulbs and tubes will replace conventional counterparts, while the use of locally produced food will be maximised at the building's restaurants to reduce greenhouse gases associated with transport.

The modifications, to be finished by late 2010, are expected to save at least $600,000 per year – equal to 10 per cent of the building's annual electricity costs, which top $6m.

The green upgrades are being carried out by engineering giant Siemens, environmental management firm EcoTech International Group and interior design consultancy The Steven Leach Group.

Taipei 101 already has a number of green initiatives in place, including a waste recycling programme, grey-water recycling system and a double-glazed glass curtain wall, which shields the building's occupants from Taiwan's subtropical heat.

The latest eco measures were announced earlier this month by TFC, which said the project aimed to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the US Green Building Council for the building.

Standing 509m high, Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building when it was completed in 2004. It was overtaken after the Burg Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, built its 141st floor in 2007. The 818m building is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in January.

"Taipei 101's management team is expecting to make it an icon of [the] green building industry in Taiwan and worldwide," said TFC chairman Harace Lin. The group also hopes to have the skyscraper designated as the "world's tallest green building".

However, it can expect to face stiff competition for the unofficial title from Chicago's Sears Tower, which earlier this year announced plans for a similar green refurbishment programme designed to cut its electricity use by 80 per cent.