1. Stockholm Wood City – Stockholm, Sweden
Location: Sickla, Stockholm, Sweden
Owned by: Atrium Ljungberg
Floor count: Varies across 25 blocks; up to 7 stories
Construction completed: Ongoing; first buildings expected by 2027
Why sustainable: Stockholm Wood City is set to become the world’s largest urban area constructed entirely from timber. Utilizing mass timber significantly reduces carbon emissions, and the project emphasizes walkability, green spaces, and renewable energy integration, establishing it as a leading example of environmentally conscious architecture and one of the most sustainable buildings in the world.
2. Powerhouse Brattørkaia – Trondheim, Norway
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Owned by: Entra ASA
Floor count: 8 floors plus mezzanine and underground parking
Construction completed: 2019
Why sustainable: This energy-positive office building produces more energy than it consumes over its entire lifecycle. Equipped with approximately 3,000 m² of solar panels generating around 485,000 kWh annually, it exemplifies how buildings can contribute positively to the energy grid.
3. The Edge – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Owned by: OVG Real Estate
Floor count: 15 floors
Construction completed: 2015
Why sustainable: Often dubbed the smartest building globally, The Edge boasts a BREEAM score of 98.36%. Its 28,000 sensors optimize lighting, temperature, and energy usage, while solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems further enhance its sustainability.
4. Bosco Verticale – Milan, Italy
Location: Milan, Italy
Owned by: Hines Italia
Floor count: 27 floors (Tower 1), 19 floors (Tower 2)
Construction completed: 2014
Why sustainable: These “Vertical Forest” towers integrate over 20,000 trees and plants, improving air quality and biodiversity in urban settings. Smart irrigation and heat pump systems ensure efficient resource use, making Bosco Verticale a model for green residential design.
5. One Central Park – Sydney, Australia
Location: Sydney, Australia
Owned by: Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House
Floor count: 34 floors (East Tower), 12 floors (West Tower)
Construction completed: 2013
Why sustainable: Featuring the world’s tallest vertical garden, One Central Park incorporates over 35,000 plants across 23 green walls. Its heliostat system reflects sunlight into shaded areas, reducing the need for artificial lighting, while advanced water recycling systems minimize waste.
6. Katajanokan Laituri – Helsinki, Finland
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Owned by: Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company
Floor count: 4 floors
Construction completed: July 2024
Why sustainable: This waterfront development combines carbon-storing timber construction with renewable energy sources. Housing the headquarters of Stora Enso and the eco-friendly Solo Sokos Pier 4 Hotel, it exemplifies Finland’s commitment to sustainable urban regeneration.
7. CopenHill – Copenhagen, Denmark
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Owned by: Amager Resource Center (ARC)
Floor count: 10 floors
Construction completed: 2019
Why sustainable: A waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a recreational facility, CopenHill converts 440,000 tons of waste into clean energy annually. Its rooftop ski slope and climbing wall make sustainability engaging and accessible.
8. Kendeda Building – Atlanta, USA
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Owned by: Georgia Institute of Technology
Floor count: 2 floors
Construction completed: 2019
Why sustainable: Located on Georgia Tech’s campus, the Kendeda Building is the first Living Building Challenge-certified facility in the Southeast USA. It produces more energy than it consumes and incorporates rainwater harvesting, composting toilets, and sustainable materials throughout.
9. Cube Berlin – Berlin, Germany
Location: Berlin, Germany
Owned by: CA Immo
Floor count: 10 floors
Construction completed: 2020
Why sustainable: This smart office building features a unique glass façade that optimizes natural light and temperature. Cube Berlin integrated AI systems manage energy consumption in real-time, making it a pioneer in intelligent, sustainable design.
10. Downtown One – Tirana, Albania
Location: Tirana, Albania
Owned by: Nova Construction 2012
Floor count: 37 floors
Construction completed: Expected in 2025
Why sustainable: Set to be Albania’s tallest building, Downtown One is the first in the country to achieve LEED Gold precertification. Its mixed-use design incorporates energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials, signaling a new era for green architecture in the Balkans.
Conclusion
These most sustainable buildings in the world demonstrate that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. As we move further into the 21st century, such buildings will not only become more common but essential in our fight against climate change.
