It’s Getting Easier to Be Green (Green buildings, NYT)

[jpak]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/realestate/13cov.html?_r=1&ref=environment&oref=slogin

THEY are not yet as ubiquitous as the Toyota Prius, the hybrid car popular among the ecologically minded, but “green” apartment buildings have begun popping up around Manhattan. At least six large buildings designed to meet elevated standards for energy efficiency and for the use of environmentally friendly materials have opened in the last three years, and several more are under construction or being planned.

At the Solaire, considered the country’s first green apartment tower, plants and soil on the roof provide insulation and reduce water runoff. Photovoltaic cells generate electricity. Solar-energy panels at the building’s entrance. Tenants can use a rooftop garden dotted with chairs and chaises longues.

The green designation is conferred on buildings that incorporate recycled or renewable materials and that slash energy use and water consumption with features like photovoltaic cells, internal sewage treatment systems and roofs covered in soil and vegetation.

Developers say they are building green because they believe in it, but they also expect to gain a competitive edge. If faced with the choice of renting or buying two similar apartments, the developers say, consumers increasingly will opt for the one with green features, even if it comes at a higher price.

<more>

[Zensea]

1. another one not mentioned -- Bank of America Tower

This is being built at 6th Avenue and 42nd Street currently.
http://www.siteselection.com/ssinsider/snapshot/sf040816.htm
"Developer: Tower Will Be ‘the Most
Environmentally Responsible Building Possible’

The new tower is aiming for another rare distinction. Largely built of recycled and recyclable building materials, the completed structure will be the first-ever high-rise to attempt to attain the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum designation from the U.S. Green Building Council "



and from this link

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=201684

The tower is to have two spires, the 365.76 meter (1200 foot) one is architectural and the 292.61 meter (960 foot) one is to have a wind turbine that would generate electricity for the building.
- The southern roof would rise to 287.88 meters (944 feet 6 inches) and the northern roof would rise to 258.47 meters (848 feet).
- The tallest building demolished to make way for the tower is Remington Building.
- Popular Science gave the building the title of the Best Engineering of What's New in 2005 for its being "The Most Amibitious Eco-Friendly SkyScraper" in the December 2005 edition.
- Standing right next to another "green" skyscraper pioneer, Conde Nast Building, the building is to have groundbreaking environmental features such as being able to generate 70% of its energy and gather all of its toilet water.