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E BALANCE
U
rbanization is a
key global mega-
trend presenting
one of the big-
gest challenges
to sustainable
development.
Understanding
and learning to guide our shifting ur-
ban patterns of living has become the
priority for many planners and decision-
makers, something that can lead to
solutions such as eco-cities. And since
buildings account for 40 percent of
energy usage worldwide, many believe
that focusing on the design and energy
efficiency of buildings themselves will
make a significant contribution to re-
ducing carbon emissions.
Jan Klerks
,
research and communications manager
at the Chicago-based Council on Tall
Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH),
is one of a variety of experts working
with the idea of efficient – while at-
tractive – urban density as embodied
in tall buildings.
BUILDING GREEN
Klerks thoroughly understands the com-
plexity of sustainable solutions. “Sus-
tainability sometimes feels like trying to
nail a jellyfish onto the wall,” he con-
cedes. “The moment you think you’ve
thought through some sustainable poli-
cy, you might find yourself in a position
in which unexpected counter effects
offset the initial gains. It is a holistic,
complicated and interactive system in
which nothing moves independently.”
What, then, is the role of the Council?
“We consider it an important mission of
the CTBUH to find and support ways in
which the design, development, con-
PEOPLE FLOW |
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BUILDINGS
ACCOUNT FOR
40% OF ENERGY
USAGE WORLDWIDE
40