The Bahrain World

Trade Center
(BWTC) is a notable
landmark located in
Manama, the capital
BAHRAIN city of Bahrain. It is a
commercial complex
consisting of two 50-
WORLD TRADE story towers
connected by three
sky bridges. The
CENTER architectural design
of the BWTC
incorporates several
sustainable features,
which have both
positive and negative
impacts on the
environment.

MONA EMAD
202000169
POSITIVE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
1-Wind Power Generation: One of the most significant positive aspects of the
BWTC is its integration of wind turbines into the design. The towers feature
three large wind turbines mounted on each sky bridge, totaling six turbines.
These turbines harness the wind energy present at the building's height and
generate electricity. The use of wind power reduces the reliance on fossil
fuels and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
2-Renewable Energy Production: The wind turbines installed in the BWTC
contribute to the overall energy production of the complex. The generated
electricity is used to power the towers' operations, reducing the dependence
on non-renewable energy sources such as coal or natural gas. This use of
renewable energy helps in mitigating climate change and promoting
sustainability.
3-Iconic Eco-friendly Design: The BWTC's unique design and its
incorporation of sustainable features make it an iconic green building. The
architectural design of the towers maximizes natural daylight penetration,
reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The use of energy-
efficient glazing materials also helps to minimize heat gain and enhance
insulation.
4-LEED Certification: The BWTC has achieved Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification, specifically LEED Gold. This
certification recognizes the building's sustainable design, construction, and
operational practices. The BWTC's adherence to LEED standards further
demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility.
5-Public Awareness and Education: The unique design and sustainable
features of the BWTC make it a prominent symbol of sustainable
architecture. The building serves as a platform for raising public awareness
about the importance of green buildings, renewable energy, and sustainable
practices. It inspires and educates visitors and the local community about
the benefits and possibilities of sustainable design
POSITIVE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
6-Reduced Energy Consumption: The incorporation of energy-efficient
technologies and practices in the BWTC helps to reduce overall energy
consumption. The building's design maximizes natural ventilation and daylighting,
reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning during the day. This
energy efficiency contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller
carbon footprint.

7-Carbon Emissions Reduction: The integration of wind turbines in the BWTC

allows for the generation of clean, renewable energy. By harnessing wind power,
the building reduces its reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuels, thereby
contributing to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. This helps combat climate
change and air pollution.

8-Public Perception and Inspiration: The BWTC serves as a prominent example of

sustainable architecture and renewable energy utilization. Its innovative design
and commitment to environmental responsibility inspire individuals, businesses,
and other architects to adopt sustainable practices. This positive influence can
lead to wider adoption of renewable energy and green building principles in future
construction projects.

9-Economic Benefits: The BWTC's sustainable design and energy-efficient

features can lead to cost savings over time. The use of renewable energy sources,
such as wind power, can help reduce energy bills and operating expenses.
Additionally, the building's LEED certification enhances its marketability and
attractiveness to environmentally conscious tenants, potentially providing
economic benefits to the developers and owners.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
1-Embodied Energy: Constructing a building with unique features and sustainable
materials often requires a significant amount of energy during the manufacturing and
transportation processes. The production and transportation of materials, such as steel
and glass, contribute to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. The negative
impact of this embodied energy should be considered in the overall environmental
assessment of the BWTC.
2-Bird Collisions: The presence of wind turbines on the BWTC's sky bridges can pose a risk
to birds. High-rise buildings with turbines have been known to cause bird collisions, which
can result in injury or death. Bird-friendly design elements, such as bird-safe glass or
additional measures, may be necessary to mitigate this negative impact on local bird
populations.
3-Maintenance and Operational Energy: The BWTC requires ongoing energy for
maintenance and operational purposes. This includes electricity for lighting, heating,
cooling, and other systems within the building. Although the BWTC utilizes renewable
energy from the wind turbines, any additional energy required for the building's operations
could still contribute to environmental impacts if not managed efficiently.
4-Noise and Vibration: The operation of the wind turbines in the BWTC can generate noise
and vibration, which might cause disturbances to the building's occupants and the
surrounding environment. Careful design and implementation of noise and vibration
mitigation measures are necessary to minimize any negative impacts.
5-Maintenance and End-of-life Disposal: The maintenance and operation of the BWTC, as
with any building, require resources and generate waste. Regular maintenance activities,
equipment replacements, and eventual demolition or renovation of the building can have
environmental implications. Proper waste management practices, recycling, and
responsible disposal of materials are essential to minimize the negative impacts
associated with these activities.
6-Visual Impact: While the BWTC's iconic design is celebrated for its sustainable features,
some may argue that the aesthetic appeal of the wind turbines and sky bridges may not be
universally appreciated. The visual impact of the building on the surrounding skyline and
its integration into the urban fabric might be a subjective matter.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
7-Construction Impacts: The construction phase of the BWTC involved
the use of resources, such as steel, concrete, and glass. The extraction,
production, and transportation of these materials can result in negative
environmental impacts, including energy consumption, carbon
emissions, and habitat destruction. Proper management and mitigation
strategies, such as sourcing sustainable materials and minimizing waste,
can help lessen these impacts.

8-Operational Energy Requirements: While the BWTC incorporates

energy-efficient design features, the building still requires energy for its
day-to-day operations. This includes electricity for lighting, heating,
cooling, and other systems. The overall environmental impact depends
on the efficiency of these systems and the energy sources used.
Continuous efforts to optimize energy efficiency and transition to
renewable energy sources can mitigate the negative effects.

9-Lifecycle Considerations: Beyond the construction and operational

phases, the BWTC's overall environmental impact also depends on its
lifespan and end-of-life considerations. As the building ages,
maintenance, refurbishment, and eventual demolition or renovation
activities will have associated environmental implications. Proper waste
management, recycling, and responsible disposal of building materials
are essential to minimize negative impacts during these stages.