When I say that the Reichstag is going to go green, it does not mean that the German parliament is minting currency nor does it mean that the green boys from the military will take over. The Reichstag has long been a symbol of power and control and at some point in history probably the single most powerful structure on the planet where an evil-genius reigned supreme and unleashed his fury of terror and fear on the planet. Now that structure will stand for a planet that has changed its priorities and is willing to understand where its true purpose lies. The Reichstag will now stand for the Green Revolution that aims to make the planet clean and green and a wonderful home for generations to come.
The German Reichstag is expected to become the greenest parliament building in the world, thanks to a decision to rely solely on renewable energy. From late summer the building is due to swap to green power sources such as water, wind and solar energy, replacing the conventional power that it has largely relied upon until now. Its extensive refurbishment in the late 1990s, including the glass cupola designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster, had already stolen many hearts across the planet. Ecologists praised the building’s energy efficiency, which has led to a 94% cut in its carbon emissions.
Its roof makes passive use of solar power and natural light and its thick, well-insulated 19th-century walls help retain warmth in winter and reduce the need for air conditioning in summer. But in future the Reichstag, which has been the home of Germany’s parliament for nine years, will go a step further, entirely abandoning conventional sources in favor of renewable energy sources, which will be provided by an outside supplier.
Parliamentarians hope that the switch to clean energy will boost Germany’s reputation as one of the greenest countries in the world and help the renewable energy sector. It might also set a wonderful precedent for the rulers of the world to follow. Maybe more people across the planet will take a look at green structures a lot more keenly and this will hopefully usher the minds of the leaders of the world in a new direction. I suppose the Indian parliament could use both the green change and the discipline of the Reichstag too.
