# Eco Skyscraper Makeovers Sears Tower Gets Greener By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-10-10 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sears-tower-green References: [luxist](http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/09/the-sears-tower-goes-green/) & [building](http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=747&storycode=3124491&c=3) One of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks, the Sears Tower, is set to receive an [eco-friendly makeover](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-shilla). The skyscraper has already cut its energy usage in half, but plans are in the works to utilize clean sources of power to wipe out another 10% of its total energy usage. At the Cityscape conference, Adrian Smith of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture indicated that the Sears Tower would receive [wind turbines, photovoltaic cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1), new lighting systems, a [green roof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shibanee-kamal) and improved insulation. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Eco-friendly Building Upgrades:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation include incorporating renewable energy sources, advanced lighting systems, and green roofs into existing buildings. - **Clean Energy Integration:** There is potential for disruptive innovation in integrating wind turbines and photovoltaic cells into skyscrapers, reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources. - **Energy Efficiency Enhancements:** Innovations in insulation and energy-efficient technologies can help reduce the energy usage of buildings, presenting an opportunity for disruptive improvement in the industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can explore innovative methods to retrofit existing buildings with eco-friendly features, promoting sustainable practices. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy sector can provide clean energy solutions for skyscrapers through the installation of wind turbines and photovoltaic cells. - **Building Materials:** Improved insulation materials can revolutionize the building materials industry by enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Energy Efficient Mall Redesigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylight-galleria.md) - [Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/former-bank-building.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Low-Carbon Biomimetic Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonkin-liu.md) - [Rooftop Walkway-Topped Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shenzhen-energy-ring.md) - [Organic Striking Tower Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaves.md) - [Sustainable EV Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/change-wind-corporation.md) - [Staggered Tower Texan Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1550-on-the-green.md) - [Rain-Collecting Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bpas-architects.md)