As one of the most prominent landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower is both setting an example by being energy efficient and is helping protect the environment. As its first floor was recently renovated, some of the most outstanding changes that have been incorporated are the green measures that will make this attraction more sustainable.
The whole first floor of the well-known tower was under renovation for more than 2 years while being open to the public. Funded entirely by the SETE (Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel), the total cost of the refurbishment was of 30 million euros excluding taxes. Besides offering a brand-new experience for users with a breath-taking view, they decided to contribute with the city of Paris’ Climate Action Plan by reducing the tower’s ecological footprint.
This Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in Paris produced by its own activities by 25% relative to 2004 by the year 2020. Although the impact of the tower’s green measures may not result in significant energy reductions for the city’s overall goal, they certainly serve as a captivating message for the world. For institutions from all over the world to see that historic icons as prominent as this structure are dedicating efforts and resources to sustainability, is a call to action for them to do the same.
By generating its own energy and introducing environmentally friendly measures, the Eiffel Tower becomes an example of sustainability for cities around the globe. The measures implemented include LED lighting, solar panels, a rainwater collection system, powerful heat pumps and 2 wind turbines.
The most innovative measure being the installation of two VisionAIR5 wind turbines, each 7 meters high and designed to be as seamless as possible for tourists. They were painted the same color as the tower and are totally silent. The turbines generate 10,000 kWh a year, which is enough to power the tower’s commercial section on the first floor.
Parallel to generating part of its energy, the other sustainability measures are impacting as well. The 10m² setting of solar panels will meet around half of the water heating needs of the Tower’s two pavilions. The water from the toilets is now supplied by the installed rainwater retrieval system and all of the lights in the first floor are LEDs.
Thirty years passed since renovations of such magnitude took place in the Eiffel Tower. Many things have changed since then and for this it had to be updated to the current times. Climate change is definitely an issue that has been getting more attention throughout the years due to the catastrophic consequences it can entail if kept ignored. If one of the world’s most important icons is opting to portray the message that sustainability shouldn’t be an option but a requirement, it is a sign that climate change should not be taken lightly by anyone.
The world’s future is our future. Take example of the Eiffel Tower
Every action taken towards sustainability and the environment’s conservation will benefit each and everyone of us in the planet. We need more messages as the one being displayed by the Eiffel Tower and we need more green actions like these ones. Now is the time to manage your energy wisely and become more energy efficient.
