Z6 Tower, Designed by Foster + Partners, Becomes First Certified Net-Zero Operational Skyscraper in

Located in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District, the Z6 tower, designed by Foster + Partners, has become China's first high-rise office building to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Outstanding” certification. The project received this recognition by passing the “Net Zero Carbon Building Evaluation System,” developed by the British Research Establishment (BRE) and TÜV Rheinland Greater China, based on BREEAM standards.

The project's environmental engineering was “integrated from the earliest design stages” of the scheme. The Z6 tower houses the regional headquarters for HSBC. It achieves a 47% reduction in operational carbon emissions in comparison to the nation’s baseline due to its unique mechanical systems, smart building controls, energy feedback elevators, and on-site renewables. Designed in collaboration with the Sino Ocean Group, the plan is actually to offset the remaining 53% of emissions using off-site renewables after the building’s completion.