Your new post is loading...
The world's first algae-powered building is being piloted in Hamburg.
Designed by multinational firm Arup, features panel glass bioreactors on a facade containing microalgae that generate biomass and heat, serving as a renewable energy source.
The systems provide insulation for the building- 129 bioreactors have been fitted to the southwest and southeast faces of the building. They are controlled by an energy management center in which solar thermal heat and algae are harvested and stored to be used to create hot water.
Jan Wurm, Arup’s Europe Research Leader, said: 'Using bio-chemical processes in the facade of a building to create shade and energy is a really innovative concept.
'It might well become a sustainable solution for energy production in urban areas, so it is great to see it being tested in a real-life scenario.'
The news comes after Arup announced their vision for the future of skyscrapers which suggested that buildings would be 'living' buildings powered by algae that respond automatically to the weather and the changing needs of inhabitants...
Via Lauren Moss, João Greno Brogueira
I am interested to follow this story and to learn more details about the specific sources for the algae and a bit more of the science behind it.