Pittsburgh to build the 'Greenest Skyscraper in the World' by 2015

 

The city that gave us such historic greats as Andrew Carnegie and Andy Warhol, is ready to give birth to another worldwide phenomenon.  Pittsburgh will unveil The Tower at PNC Plaza in 2015, planned to be the most sustainable skyscraper in the world with a LEED Platinum status.  PNC Financial services group will build the 800,000 square foot structure on the same intersection PNC has had their headquarters for more than 150 years.  Currently PNC has more LEED Certified buildings than any company on earth. The Tower at PNC Plaza, at an estimated cost of 400 million dollars, will be approximately 40 stories tall.

Some of the sustainable solutions plan include:

The Tower will feature a double glass facade to enhance energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs and allowing natural airflow to the building. Using advanced sensors and metering, a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency heating and cooling system will deliver conditioned air to specific zones of the building, as needed. The building will be oriented to take advantage of sunlight in workspaces, reducing the need for artificial light during the day.

The design team is exploring fuel cells, solar panels, geothermal systems and other alternative power generation sources that will significantly reduce carbon emissions. The building’s green rooftops will collect rainwater and channel it for use in other parts of the structure, as well as reduce the heat gain associated with traditional rooftops. - US Building Digest

Pennsylvanian Union Station

This ambitious, yet timely undertaking blends well with Pittsburgh, a city known for classics like Falling Water and Kentuck Knob by Frank Lloyd Wright, PPG Place by architect Phillip Johnson, and even an Incline Plane (not to be confused with the World's Steepest Vehicular Incline Plane in Johnstown, PA.)

PPG Place in Pittsburgh, PACongratulations on adding yet another architectural classic to your family Pittsburgh!  We can't wait to come take a look!