China Overseas Tower in Shenzhen positions itself as China’s first near-zero-energy 5A high-rise office, combining passive design, high-efficiency systems and quantified carbon savings to establish a replicable benchmark for hot summer–warm winter climates.
Located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen — with a site area of 4,144 m², a total gross floor area of 61,293 m² and a maximum height of 99.78 m — the project is conceived as a Super Grade A 5A office building aiming to become the first near-zero-energy office skyscraper in China. Developed by China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. (COLI), the scheme integrates decarbonisation criteria from the outset across design, construction, and operation.
The energy strategy combines passive measures with high-efficiency systems. An optimised building envelope, natural daylighting and natural ventilation — supported by an offset core layout with atrium and a north–south longitudinal sky garden — reduce energy demand. Fresh air and waste heat recovery, active chilled beams, high-performance plant rooms, efficient lighting, and lifts form an integrated low-consumption system. Overall, the project is expected to save 3.644 million kWh annually and reduce CO₂ emissions by 2,102.9 tonnes compared with a reference building.
The integration of multi-level green roofs and terraces enhances the microclimate and reinforces the bioclimatic approach. With certifications including Nearly Zero Energy, LEED Gold, and Three-Star Green Building, the project serves as a technical demonstrator for offices in warm climates, offering a replicable roadmap towards near-zero-energy and zero-carbon buildings in China’s tertiary sector.
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