The UN’s new building in Nairobi is leading the way for green architecture in Africa.

The complex was officially opened on March 31st by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and is so impressive the Secretary-General announced: "I wish I could move here full time!"

The offices are a beautiful combination of modern design and environmentally beneficial features - a central atrium allows natural light to flood the building, and each office area has a translucent roof. And when lighting is needed it is, of course, low-energy.

Water and its preservation is also at the forefront of the project. Water-saving toilets are in place and rainwater is collected from the roofs to serve the fountains and ponds at the complex’s four entrances.

And the toilets don't just have a job to do regarding water-saving; sewage is treated and recycled for irrigating the landscaped gardens.

Solar panels on the roof provide enough energy to power computers, lights, and even the cafeteria.

Similar plans are afoot in the complete revamping of the UN’s 60 year old headquarters in New York, pictured above.

The Secretary-General finished his address at the grand opening with these optimistic words: "May its sunlight and gardens inspire us all to work even harder to protect this planet — our only home."

[Image: mikecogh]