A Biofriendly Building that Produces its Own Energy

Talk about biofriendly construction! An energy efficient, zero emissions building has opened up in Athens, Greece. According to the International Herald Tribune, the building is not only able to support its own energy needs, it produces a 15% surplus. This 15% is sold back to the state for a profit. In 7 to 10 years the installation costs for the energy efficient equipment will be paid, and the building will cost virtually nothing to run.

This is an exciting development, not only for energy, but also for the fight against air pollution. Most power worldwide is produced by burning hydrocarbon-based fuels like coal. As you probably already know, the inefficient process of burning hydrocarbons creates a huge amount of harmful emissions. Imagine what it would be like if all new construction, whether it be homes, office buildings or whatever, was built to produce emission free energy. It would be a huge step in solving the air pollution, and global warming problems we face today.

I know that clearly we are a long way from homes and offices everywhere being completely self sufficient, and that I am dreaming if I think this will happen any time soon, if at all, but it is pretty cool to see that it may be possible. It’s also pretty cool that someone pulled it off.