Outdone by a tower extending above 800 meters in Dubai, the world's former tallest building, Taipei 101, wants to become the highest green structure.

Taipei 101 will spend NT$60 million (US$1.9 million) over the next year to meet 100 criteria for an environmental certificate that it would hold over Dubai, spokesman Michael Liu said.

The office-commercial tower that reigned for five years as the world's highest building at 509m expects the United States-based Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design to give it the certificate in 2011.

"We're focused now on becoming a Taiwan landmark, and on going green. We'd be the tallest building to get a green certificate," Liu said.

Taipei 101, he said, would work with its 85 office tenants to cut electricity and water use, while encouraging them to recycle more refuse. Annual utility savings should total NT$20 million.