The Shenzhen Institute of Building Research (IBR) designed its new headquarters in the Futian District of Shenzhen as a green experiment, using an impressive array of sustainable strategies and technologies. Because the institute was both the architect and client on this project, it could be more daring than usual in promoting a green agenda. “Employing 40 technologies such as solar-energy generation, natural ventilation, gray-water recycling, and super-efficient HVAC systems, this building serves as a showcase for green design,” said the Good Design Is Good Business China awards jury.

IBR implemented the green design principals of “localization, low-energy consumption, and finely detailed design,” reports Ye Qing, president of the institute. Ye wanted the headquarters to embody the best sustainable building practices while differentiating it from other expensive “technology performance” buildings. So the architects kept the total per-square-meter construction cost to RMB 4,000, a reasonable number considering all of the sustainable measures included in the project. By employing both simple design tactics and complex technological systems, the building reduces annual electricity costs by 15 million RMB, water costs by 54,000 RMB, and carbon dioxide emissions by 1,600 tons, reports IBR.