The “green” UN building that impresses its modern design

The UN complex in Denmark combines modern design, while promoting green urban development, as it is a sustainable one that minimises environmental impacts. Specifically, the building that is widely known as the “United Nations City” is located in the northern port of the city and has the shape of a star, with eight large and uneven rays, which “see” the whole world, symbolizing the purpose of the Organization, which seeks to be in every region of the world and where there is a need. Also, the impressive building designed by the Danish architectural company 3XN consists of two sub-installations (campus), while the total of employees is 2,000. The first section (Campus 1) was inaugurated in 2013 and houses 1,700 employees from 107 different countries working on ten different sectors. The main building has more than 90 conference rooms, and has an auditorium for conferences. The second section (Campus 2) hosts Unicef’s supply department, where it employs 300 employees, becoming the world’s largest humanitarian aid depot. Prior to the construction of the first section, UN services were located in various parts of the city, however, they can now cooperate more closely, exchanging information and data with experts from different sectors. Based on sustainability and environmental friendliness, the basic materials of construction of the complex are glass and metal, thus reducing energy consumption by 55%. The roof of the building is made of recyclable, plant materials reflecting sunlight, thus reducing the temperature inside it. In fact, 1,400 solar panels are placed both on the roof and on the front of the building, ensuring that renewable energy plays a vital role in the operation of the building. In this way, solar energy turns into electricity, while the building does not consume much energy in terms of air conditioning, thus reducing emissions of gases that destroy the ozone layer. In addition, special machinery has been installed to collect rainwater, which is then used to clean up various spaces. In addition, seawater is channelled into the cooling system of the building, and, thus, electricity is not required to be consumed for cooling. Finally, this band has received the European Commission’s Green Building Award for 2012, and became the first United Nations band to get the platinum LEED certificate (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).