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Sign of the times

Article Abstract:

The construction of a new 48 storey office building, in Times Square, New York City, incorporates a number of energy efficient features. The construction of an energy efficient building may be instrumental in encouraging the introduction of incentives to builders who are making sustainable buildings. The office block incorporates a natural gas cooling plant for the air conditioning and a curtain wall system to save energy. It has been built using recyclable materials as much as possible, such as in the steel frame. The building has been designed by architects Fox and Fowle.

Design and construction, Commercial buildings, Times Square

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New BRE assessment may affect office refurbishment

Article Abstract:

The Building Research Establishment has introduced an environmental assessment scheme for existing office buildings. As part of the BREEAM environmental assessment method, it aims to encourage good practice and set standards for building design, maintenance and operaation as well as giving recognition to buildings where environmental impact is lowered and to educate owners and designers. Buildings will be allocated points for meeting a range of environmental criteria and it is hoped the method will influence refurbishment designers.

Environmental auditing, Building Research Establishment

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An office is not a hive

Article Abstract:

The BRE and DEGW have collaborated to investigate the implications of the question of how office buildings perform when traditional office work changes, for clients, property professionals and designers. The findings give strategic guidance on the design of office buildings and recommendations include more control for users of environmental systems, lighting suppliers should be more responsive to individual users and developers should produce medium depth and atrium base building shells.

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