Burj Khalifa maker reveals breakthrough skyscraper plan

Burj Khalifa’s architect wants to transform skyscrapers into batteries.

The world’s tallest building architecture firm is seeking ways to construct skyscrapers that can save energy with the help of gravity, according to Gulf News.

To elevate massive blocks Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP has made a series of prototype designs that use electric motors.

They then create potential energy which can be converted into electricity when the blocks are lowered.

As an alternative to lithium-ion batteries and other types of chemical cells, the designs are based on technology made by partner Energy Vault Holdings Inc.

They are finding developer partners interested in offsetting greenhouse gas pollution from buildings. This is the same amount of pollution that the United Nations estimates is responsible for almost 40% of global emissions.

Moreover, from better insulation to heat pumps, building owners and designers have a growing number of tools to limit carbon emissions from day-to-day operations.

Turning a skyscraper into a massive battery is one avenue for building owners looking to zero out emissions, according to Bill Baker, a consulting partner at Chicago-based SOM.