As this is our “Green Architecture” special, it's only fair to share with you some recent “Green” winners that have come to our attention.
The Royal Institute of British Architects announced the winner of the annual 2008 Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, “a gift of the Queen” on October 9th. The winner was Edward Cullinan, who is well known for his sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings. Cullinan was awarded for “his keen awareness of the natural environment, and his deep engagement with those who use and experience buildings.”

Archeolink Visitors Center
Low-Energy Grass-Roofed visitor centre, Aberdeenshire In Berlin, the annual “BUND - Friends of the Earth”
Environmental Awards were presented on October 22.
The three winners wereFor Industry and Innovation – Strato AG .
The second largest internet service provider, Strato AG is committed to renewable energy and energy saving strategies.For Environmental Engagement - “Aktionsbündnis Bäume am Landwehrkanall”
Roughly translated as the “Action Alliance for the Trees of the Landwehr canal”, this residence group campaigned to save 150 trees destined to be destroyed along the canal.For Children and Youth Prize - Carlos Green Papershop
An initiative from the students of the Carlo Schmidt High school that encouraged recycled and green products. Well Done!
Image from “Aktionsbündnis Bäume am Landwehrkanal”

Hydrogen as a clean fuel will be the basis for mobility in this new energy system. In the long run, there is no alternative. And it will be produced CO2 neutral, short- to mid-term through steam reformation of coal and gas with carbon separation, and ultimately, through solar energy and other renewable sources. The critics often doubt that solar energy would provide enough potential to fuel the world’s energy needs. Well: In just 42 minutes, the sun radiates more energy to the face of the earth than the world annual energy consumption amounts to today. Any questions?The third wave of industrialisation is just about to kick off, with the potential to emerge into a new boom economy. The question of our future energy is not only a political or ideological question, but a vital one.

The dramatic change in the world’s climate will be the second force factor driving towards that tipping point. The effects of the CO2 emitted into our atmosphere are already visible and scientifically undoubted. We are the first generation of humans on this planet, who knows of the consequences of our behaviour… and probably the last one who can prevent a climatic disaster for future generations. Fortunately, the number of conscious leaders increases every month. The Hydrogen economy is a solution this problem.But there are also opportunities evolving out of this development, and they are enormous: If a new clean energy industry just takes over 30% of the revenues of today’s Oil industry, its size will exceed the booming computer and internet industry today by far. The tipping point for this development will occur within the next 400 weeks. You better be prepared.