How Energy Efficient are the World's Tallest Buildings?

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai has one of the world's largest condensate recovery systems that diverts and reuses water from air conditioning. One World Trade Center in New York will use 30% less water and 20% less energy.

1 minute read

November 2, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By David Zeetser


With today's buildings looking at ways of becoming more energy efficient as well as trying to exceed LEED certification, The Infrastructurist looks at 10 of the worlds tallest buildings and sees how they compare against each other.

"Although none of the world's tallest skyscrapers come close to being Living Buildings, they do vary widely in terms of their energy efficiency, and it's useful to know how they stack up against each other in terms of energy use," said Ysabel Yates.

Other buildings include Taipei 101 in Taiwan which has double-paned blue-green glazed curtain walls, offering heat and UV protection, and Shanghai World Financial Center that won 2008 Best Skyscraper award.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 in The Infrastructurist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 4, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Nighttime view of downtown Los Angeles through arches of new 6th Street Viaduct.

Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth

A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.

45 minutes ago - Los Angeles Downtown News

Supreme Court Statue

Supreme Court Landlord Appeal Case Could Overturn Tenant Protections

A legal case claiming that COVID-era eviction moratoriums were unconstitutional could spell trouble for tenant protections.

1 hour ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Distant view of oil derrick on barren plain with harsh sun in background.

Texas Moves to Curb Orphan Wells, But Critics Say Loopholes Remain

A proposed state law would shift financial responsibility for sealing unused drilling sites from the public to energy operators, though some advocates question its effectiveness due to industry-backed exemptions.

2 hours ago - Texas Public Radio

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.