The push for sustainable, green initiatives is manifesting across global cities. From Sydney’s green walls to Rotterdam’s solar power roof, the desire to provide innovative solutions to environmental concerns is becoming more and more apparent.

Germany, a world leader in renewable energy, has set a goal to obtain 35% of its energy supply from renewables by 2020. As a result, some groundbreaking projects are coming out of this country.

The most recent example is a residential building that obtains power from algae-filled walls. That’s right- a residential building in Hamburg gets its energy supply from panels lining the building that are filled with algae.

The building collects water, nutrients and carbon dioxide, converting these elements into biogas, which is then burned in a boiler. Algae will not only generate energy, but also control the light inflow and shading of the building. Consequently, the façade will constantly be in motion and changing color. This revolutionary building is changing the way the built environment, architecture, and renewable energy can have in shaping the concept of sustainability.