Institute of New Energy, Wuhan

In November 2017, the iconic lily-shaped Institute of New Energy’s building in Wuhan, China (INEW) received its BREEAM Very Good post-construction certificate at a celebratory ceremony.

Present at the event was Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for the Department for International Trade who is leading a business delegation in China aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment ties.

The Minister said; "I am delighted to witness the awarding of this BREEAM certificate for the Wuhan New Energy Institute’s office building. The UK has a strong foundation in sustainability and environmental protection, with considerable expertise in this area, and can support China to achieve its goals for sustainable urbanisation and innovation."

Integrating a 388 kw solar power system, a 12 kw wind power system and a rainwater recycling system that can save 12,600 tons of water annually, the 140 m-tall tower and surrounding leaf shaped laboratories achieved a BREEAM score of 55% and achieved China’s Green Building Label 3 Star level.

Despite the extreme temperatures experienced in this sub-tropical region of China, the building has a natural ventilation strategy with a central shaft that carries hot air up and out through vents at the top.

An overhanging roof provides solar shading for its glazed façade, and light wells carry daylight to the underground car park. Recreational space is provided for occupants in the form of a 17th floor roof garden.

Chief Engineer, Mr Yansong Liu, who received the BREEAM certificate on behalf of the Institute said; "This is the largest bionic building in China – it is an exemplar demonstration of innovation and sustainability."

Director of BRE China, Jaya Skandamoorthy said; "We are very pleased to present this international BREEAM certificate to INEW for its Wuhan Flower building, it is a very tangible demonstration of China’s international commitment to drive down its carbon emissions. It's also very fitting that it is the home of INEW who have a clear remit to drive the take up of innovative, clean and renewable energy technologies across the country."

BRE China Business Development Manager Mr Wei Liu concluded; "We are very pleased to see more projects that not only meet China’s Green Building Standard, but also benchmark with leading international standards like BREEAM. BRE China will continue to drive positive change in the built environment and sustainable development across the country."