I'm sorry but a "hybrid solar array as well as a wind turbine that can generation about seven percent of the building???s annual energy needs" does not constitute sustainable.
It may well be "one of the most self-sustaining buildings anywhere in the world" but only because these touted power generation sources are coupled with things like the raised flooring system that reduces HVAC costs by half. Cutting costs in half, now that is impactful. Please don't try to pass off 7% as significant. Not until solar cells are more efficient will solar power be close to a viable "alternative" energy source. And wind? Seriously? I am all for sustainable alternative energy sources but throwing billions of dollars and acres of land into windmills is not the answer.
Finally, limiting "parking to encourage alternative transportation among employees" doesn't encourage but coerces employees to search for another option. Force will never change someone's thinking. If they don't see the environmental benefit to one less car on the road they will either pay more for the available spots or begrudgingly find an alternative.
Don't get me wrong, this building as a whole really sounds great! I have worked in the AEC industry for nearly 20 years and have been looking forward to innovations like LEED and ISI (
http://sustainableinfrastructure.org/). Now we just need to figure out how to bring down the cost so that LEED principles will be used in more construction.
Sorry for the rant. For the last few years I have been working with and learning more about energy. I get a little upset when someone praises one of the so-called alternative energy "solutions" that are still years away from putting a significant dent in our energy needs/consumption.
