Sears Tower Getting Green Retrofit

The Sears Tower will be getting a $350 million retrofit, bringing the world's third tallest building to new heights of energy efficiency, exceeding its current LEED standing. The strategy, designed by Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, will cut the building's electric consumption by 80% and water use by 40% according to a CoStar article. "The Sears Tower energy sustainability and environmental education project presents a tremendous opportunity for inspiring building owners and the public to aspire to the highest standards of energy-efficiency," said Charles Jackson, Illinois Environmental Council executive director.

Plans for the makeover include the addition of solar panels on the 90th floor roof to heat water, wind turbines that can be maneuvered to best capture the currents blowing through Chicago, a project to replace 16,000 tinted single-lane windows with energy efficient windows to create a "thermal break", revamping elevators to conserve energy and refitting bathrooms to reduce water use. More information on the sustainability plans for the building can be read here.

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