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The first major stages of Siemens' new £30 million sustainability centre in Royal Victoria Docks have been completed, and the building is on schedule to be open for business by June 2012.

The building which has been called The Crystal, is being touted as one of the greenest buildings in London. It will be used as a hub for experts in sustainable urban innovation to get together and discuss new projects.

The building has two crystal-shaped sections, one of which has been designed for corporate activities and the other as an exhibition space open to the public. The people behind the space say it will showcase the best works relating to urban planning and design.

The electric-only building runs without fossil fuels, as the roof is fitted with large solar panels. There will  be special sensors throughout the building which will monitor the heat and light, to ensure that no more is being used than is necessary.

The building, when ready, will harvest rainwater and will convert it into drinking water. Every bit of water used in the building, including toilet water, will be recycled.

The scheme forms part of the Mayor of Londons, Boris Johnson's, Green Enterprise District that aims to 'achieve growth, regeneration, carbon savings and job creation' in London.

Johnson said: 'We are working to attract the best new high tech industries and environmental businesses to the capital bringing investment and jobs to Londoners. Siemens' Crystal is a perfect platform to help kick-start this regeneration demonstrating the type of dynamic partnership I want London to forge with global innovators in order to create the best big city in the world.'

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