Published on: February 16, 2026 | By Lars Sorensen

Concrete and steel are no longer the only options for tall buildings. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is allowing for the construction of 'Plyscrapers' that actually store carbon rather than emitting it. These buildings are fire-resistant, earthquake-proof, and far more aesthetically pleasing than their concrete counterparts.

The latest trend in sustainable design is 'Living Facades.' These building skins use algae bioreactors to generate energy and purify air. Rainwater is harvested and recycled for all non-potable uses, and integrated wind turbines capture the high-velocity air at the tops of towers.

Governments are incentivizing these designs through 'Carbon Credits for Construction.' A building that sequester more carbon than it takes to build can now trade those credits on the open market, making sustainable architecture the most profitable choice for developers...

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A cross-laminated timber skyscraper under construction in Oslo.

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Reporting completed by World Mag Editorial Team.