The Bahrain World

Trade Center
(BWTC) is a notable
landmark located in

BAHRAIN WORLD
Manama, the capital
city of Bahrain. It is a
commercial complex

TRADE CENTER consisting of two 50-

story towers
connected by three
sky bridges. The
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.