Skyscrapers and Climate

Skyscrapers and Climate examines the complex relationship between skyscrapers and climate change, addressing how these structures contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. It highlights the need for sustainable design and innovative building technologies to minimize the environmental impact of these towering structures. One intriguing fact is the significant embodied carbon associated with skyscrapers, stemming from the extraction and manufacturing of materials like concrete and steel. Another critical aspect is the operational energy required to power these buildings, influencing their overall carbon footprint. The book uniquely combines architecture with environmental science, engineering, and urban planning, offering actionable solutions for architects, engineers, and policymakers. It explores the history of skyscraper construction and the evolution of building technologies, while emphasizing the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of a building. Each chapter delves into essential areas such as embodied carbon, operational energy, and the impact on the urban microclimate, presenting case studies to illustrate both problematic and exemplary buildings. The book progresses from fundamental concepts of climate change and sustainable design to detailed analyses and practical strategies. It advocates for a paradigm shift in how we design, construct, and operate skyscrapers, transforming them into sustainable components of the urban landscape through sustainable materials, passive design techniques, and renewable energy systems.