Siemens' Crystal to open in September

By Rob Virtue on June 25, 2012 11:39 AM |

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One of the World's most sustainable city buildings will open to the public in the Royal Docks this autumn.

The Crystal, created by leading energy firm Siemens will launch with a spectacular gala event on September 19, before hosting the UN Habitat's Urban Planning Conference for three days.

It will then officially open on September 24.

The venue, which will use solar power, ground source heat pumps and energy efficient LED lighting, will be home to an interactive exhibition about sustainability and trends affecting cities.

It is a leading part of east London's Green Enterprise District.

Speaking about the opening Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "The Crystal is set to be a stunning new addition to London, generating jobs and furthering my ambition to regenerate a once neglected area of the capital.

"Not only this, but the flagship Siemens sustainability centre shows that this city has the clout to bring in world class businesses to invest in our future, in this case by promoting London's status as a global hub of green innovation, technology and skills."

The Crystal - also known as Siemens Pavilion - will be based in the western end of the Royal Docks, is expected to attract 100,000 visitors each year and will be the base for 230 Siemens employees.

Siemens chief executive Roland Aurich said: "The aim of the Crystal is to inspire people and help us collaborate to find solutions for making the world's cities more sustainable.