Green Ground Zero

An extremely fitting memorial. These guys get it.

Imagine for a moment that the structures surrounding the memorial at Ground Zero will be sheathed in an invisible skin of electricity-producing solar cells. During the day, while electricity demand is peaking, the buildings will silently, automatically produce energy. No power plants or transmission lines necessary. No risk of blackouts. No green house emissions. No need for oil, coal, natural gas or nuclear energy. Imagine that the computer and phone networks, the elevators, clocks, air conditioners and ATMS, will all run simply, cleanly, like a crop of corn or a grove of trees, on sunlight. The complex will be connected to the grid -- drawing electricity when necessary, at night or on cloudy days, and pumping power back in when it creates a surplus.

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Never before has the concept of sustainable development been so powerful and timely---especially here in New York. Environmental awareness among New Yorkers was sharply elevated when the attack on the twin towers engulfed downtown Manhattan in a noxious cloud of dust and smoke. The regional drought last summer intensified the city’s concerns about water conservation. And as America pursues another war in Iraq and acknowledges the close connection between Middle Eastern oil and the financing of terror, we are increasingly aware of the need to become energy independent.

The buildings surrounding Ground Zero will be perhaps the most visited and visible structures in the world. As such, they must symbolize optimism and progress. They must embody a cutting-edge solution to some of the greatest challenges of our time – not only boosting morale at home, but also demonstrating to the rest of the world that America has a vision for its energy future. A national symbol of hope, these buildings will also contribute to a vibrant, healthy commercial and cultural environment in lower Manhattan, and help create jobs in emerging industries.

It's a design competition. Any architects out there? Here are the competition guidelines.

Here's a petition to George Pataki and Michael Bloomberg stating "We call upon you to ensure that the structures surrounding the World Trade Center memorial adhere to the highest green building standards and incorporate the latest renewable energy and energy efficient technologies."

Maybe they could use these NC guys' Guidelines. The whole package can be downloaded from here.