Weatherwatch: glass skyscrapers are worst energy offenders

Big windows and high air-conditioning needs mean radical new approaches are needed

Whatever you think of skyscrapers, they guzzle energy. One study revealed that electricity use per square metre of floor area was nearly two and a half times greater in high-rise office buildings (20 or more storeys) than in low-rises (six storeys or less).

The gas use for heating was about 40% more for tall buildings, and the total carbon emissions from these buildings was twice as high.