The Iconic Empire State Building Set To Go Green

It is one of the wonders of the modern world but it wouldn't be one without a bit of environmental sensitivity in these times. And thus comes the big change.

The Empire State Building dates back to an era when environmental concerns were not breakfast table conversations. But now when they are, environment friendliness is not only a necessity but it also reflects economic savvy. As some well structured (and well intentioned) buildings have discovered, saving on costs of running through good environmental building design pays in the long run. The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and has for long being a part of the Manhattan landscape. Since the destruction of the WTC, it is now the most prominent building in the city. The Art Deco skyscraper also has the distinction of being on the rolls of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World (by the American Society of Civil Engineers). Now a model project envisages giving it a $500 Million facelift. The half a billion dollar renovation also includes a portion to outfit the building with the latest in energy saving paraphernalia. The $100 Million will be spent on environmental upgrades alone which the developers hope will lead to savings of $4.4 million a year on energy. The objective is to cut energy consumption in the building by a whopping 38 percent. That is a significant contribution from the 102 storied superstructure. The project will be completed in five stages. Essentially the plan is to retrofit the building because of the early century design of the building many elements do not lend themselves to optimum energy conservation. Anthony Malkin, president of W&M Properties, which owns the building corroborates when he said that the technology was devised as a model to retrofit other buildings. The Clinton Climate Initiative, launched by former President Bill Clinton, which works with cities on programs to cut greenhouse gas emissions, is a project consultant. Other drivers include energy services company Johnson Controls Inc which planned the whole project, project manager Jones Lang LaSalle Inc and the Rocky Mountain Institute, which evaluates energy policy and initiatives. The project aims to – - Install upgrades to all of its 6,500 windows.

- Setup new air-conditioning and heating systems that changes to demand and also generates cool water.

- Placing insulation between radiators and the outside of the building to trap heat and cold air.

- Deconstructing the old lighting system and putting in place an energy-efficient alternative that can be set to light hallways and common areas only when they are occupied.

- Modernizing the existing building-control system to provide more information about the demand and use of its systems.

- Introducing an Internet-based system for tenants to monitor their energy use and also co-opting them for energy conservation. The Empire State Building is once again the tallest building in New York. In an area where commercial buildings account for 79 percent of carbon emissions, taking the green lead could set an example which others would follow.