Siemens has opened its first centre for sustainable urban development, called the Crystal, in London.
The heart of the €35-million centre is the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to sustainable urban development.
The crystal-shaped building will serve as a conference centre, urban dialogue platform and technology and innovation centre.
At the centre, experts from the ‘Siemens Center of Competence Cities’ will engage in research and development geared to technologies and innovations.
“Cities worldwide are making investments to improve their water supplies, power grids, transportation systems and building infrastructures. Our addressable market alone has a volume of €300 billion. In this growth market, the Crystal will help us intensify dialogue with our customers. The Crystal is our sector’s showcase, contact point and mastermind,” said Roland Busch, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens’ Infrastructure & Cities sector.
Encompassing an area of over 6,300 sq. metres, the facility is a paragon of energy efficiency, Siemens said.
It consumes 50 per cent less power and emits 65 per cent less carbon dioxide than comparable office buildings.
Renewable energy sources meet heating and cooling needs, a photovoltaic system generates green electricity and rainwater is harvested for use.
Siemens plans to build two more such centres in Shanghai and Washington.