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Reichstag to go green

The German Reichstag is expected to become the greenest parliament building in the world, thanks to a decision to rely solely on renewable energy.

From late summer the building is due to swap to green power sources such as water, wind and solar energy, replacing the conventional power that it has largely relied upon until now.

Its extensive refurbishment in the late 1990s, including Norman Foster’s glass cupola, had already won it plaudits. Ecologists praised the building’s energy efficiency, which has led to a 94 per cent cut in its carbon emissions. Its roof makes passive use of solar power and natural light and its thick, well-insulated 19th-century walls help retain warmth in winter and reduce the need for air conditioning in summer. Biofuel generators in the basement produce 40 per cent of the building’s energy, for lighting, heating, the flow of air conditioning and water, while the rest comes mainly from coal and nuclear supplies.

But in future the Reichstag will go a step further, entirely abandoning conventional sources in favour of renewables, which will be provided by an outside supplier.

A spokesman said the changes would be reviewed after a year. “The idea is to give it a try and see how it goes,” he said.

MPs hope that the switch will boost Germany’s reputation as one of the greenest countries in the world and help the renewable energy sector. Germany has one of the most globally successful and innovative clean energy industries. The greening of the Reichstag fits in with a growing trend in zero-emission homes.

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