Parkview Green Beijing on Track to Meet China's Target for Reduction in Carbon Intensity

When Parkview Green opens mid 2010, it aims to join the global elite of buildings worldwide that have achieved Platinum level certification under LEED, the world's largest and fastest-growing green building certification system, which sets the most stringent standards possible for environmental sustainability.

"There are very few buildings that get certified at the Platinum level," says Robert Watson of the EcoTech International Group, a pioneer of the global green building industry who was instrumental in creating the LEED system. "This building is on track to be the first in China to achieve this level of certification. It is a standout achievement, not just in China, but in the world. LEED right now is only achievable by a small proportion of buildings in the world, and Platinum is the pinnacle of achievement."

The Parkview Green project, situated between Beijing's embassy district and the Central Business District, was designed to be a standout building when planning began almost ten years ago, long before environmentally conscious design was mainstream in China. The project, designed by Winston Shu of Integrated Design Associates, aimed to create a striking architectural landmark, and to respond to the constraints of the site, working harmoniously with its neighbours.

Leo Hwang of the Hong Kong Parkview Group, who is developing this project, says: "The building is an architectural landmark, taking its place alongside the most acclaimed contemporary buildings in the Chinese capital. In terms of office space we have one of the most innovative offerings on the market, not only in China, but in the world."

Parkview Green is a large, pyramidal envelope embracing over two million square feet of mixed-use space in four buildings in a glass and ETFE outer skin, the same material as the world-famous Olympic Swim Cube. The cutting edge complex includes offices, a hotel, a multi-storey mall and a bridged public route through the heart of the building.

Parkview Green's sustainability does not rely on over-complicated technology, or systems that are prone to failure. The majority of the energy efficiency savings in the building are made from well-orchestrated passive systems. The structure is not air conditioned inside. The whole interior space acts as a solar chimney, with the 89m highest point of the pyramidal form drawing warm air up and out of the building. Instead of energy-hungry air conditioning and hermetically sealed offices, the office and retail areas are ventilated through underground ducts, using the naturally consistent temperature of the earth, and chilled ceilings.

The architect, Integrated Design Associates and the engineer Arup, worked together on the energy strategy without initially realising the achievements within the LEED system which could be attained. Points are awarded in seven categories, from Materials and Resources, Indoor Air Quality to Water Efficiency. To attain Platinum status (the highest rating) a building must attain more than 80 points out of a possible 100. Parkview Green looks set to achieve this.

Watson says: "The developers of Parkview Green wanted something else to set them apart. I think tenants and owners are becoming aware of value of LEED brand itself," he adds, "and also the value of the activities that lead to the receiving of the brand's certification. You really have to achieve something and have a comprehensive integrated approach to green building."