UNIT3-Therise of the green building.docVIP

The rise of the green buildingDec 2nd 2004 From The Economist print editionArchitecture: New buildings use design and technology to reduce environmental impact, cut costs and provide better places to workIT IS officially known as the Swiss Re Tower, or 30 St Mary Axe. But Londoners universally refer to the newest addition to their skyline as “the Gherkin”, thanks to the 41-storey buildings distinctive, curved profile, which actually looks more like a pine cone (see right). What is most remarkable about the building is not its name or its shape, however, but its energy-efficiency. Than