The National Stadium
Despite its eco-friendly no-flush toilets, 130kW rooftop solar panels, and rainwater catch system, the "Bird's Nest" got poor marks from EcoTech International. The biggest problem with the nest is the sheer volume of steel -- 42,000 tonnes -- used in it construction. That's about 10 times more raw material than is used on a typical stadium. According to EcoTech's CEO Robert Watson, 90% of the structure is completely ornamental -- i.e. the iconic facade.Getty Images
Jul 14th 2008 @ 11:44AM
Grading Beijing's Olympic Buildings
