World News for Students of English

06-12-2024 15:00

The Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most recognizable buildings, is now a leader in sustainability at 51 years old.

This UNESCO World Heritage site hosts 2,000 shows annually and attracts 11 million visitors. Behind the scenes, advanced technology monitors air quality, temperature, and energy usage. Over 1,400 sensors gather data, optimizing conditions every 15 minutes. For cooling, seawater from Sydney Harbor is used, reducing electricity consumption.

The Opera House received a six-star certification from Green Building Council Australia for its sustainable efforts, including reducing energy and water use by 20% in five years. Despite its heritage status, requiring careful retrofitting, the building incorporates original eco-friendly designs like self-cleaning tiles and excellent drainage.

To become carbon-positive by 2030, its operations ensure longevity. Staff consider themselves custodians, maintaining the structure for future generations. Software innovations also help monitor materials and manage repairs efficiently.

Difficult words: sustainability (practices that protect the environment), optimize (make the best or most effective use of), retrofit (to add a component or accessory to something that didn’t have it when manufactured).

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