It is often assumed that living sustainably requires leaving the city altogether, building a home from reclaimed materials, and relying on solar panels and wind turbines in a remote setting. Increasingly, however, New York City is demonstrating that urban life can be compatible with environmental responsibility. Across the five boroughs, eco-conscious retail has expanded, farm-to-table restaurants emphasize seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and both fast-casual and fine dining establishments have embraced plant-based menus. Recycling and composting have also become routine, supported by infrastructure in residential buildings and on city streets.
The city’s environmental ambitions extend well beyond individual behavior. Mandatory curbside composting took effect last year on April 1, 2025, diverting nearly 4 million pounds of waste from landfills. Congestion pricing has further reduced environmental strain, with approximately 5.8 million fewer vehicles entering the tolled zone in its early months. The program has also generated $159 million in revenue, which is being directed to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for system upgrades, including improvements to subway service and the expansion of a zero-emissions bus fleet.
In this article:
A rendering of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal's operations and maintenance hub for the production of offshore wind farms. The $5 billion project was recently stalled by the Trump administration.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to meet New York City’s targets of 100 percent clean electricity by 2040 and carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2022, former mayor Eric Adams announced plans to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into one of the country’s largest offshore wind port facilities, with construction expected to begin in the near term. In Queens, the Astoria Gas Turbines site is being repurposed as a converter station to support offshore wind energy.
More recently, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the New York Power Authority announced a major solar installation at the Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility. Construction is scheduled to begin this June, with completion anticipated in 2027. Once finished, it is expected to be the largest clean energy installation of its kind in the world.
Aerial view of area of the east Bronx where hundreds of buildings have received rooftop solar farms over the last decade
New York’s building stock remains the city’s largest source of carbon emissions, but policy and market forces are beginning to reshape that reality. In December 2023, the City Council approved City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality, a package of zoning reforms designed to facilitate the addition of climate-conscious features such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and improved insulation. The legislation was passed just ahead of the first compliance deadline for Local Law 97, which requires buildings over 25,000 square feet to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050.
The city has also begun addressing sustainability at the public housing level. Earlier today Mayor Mamdani announced plans to install heat pumps, electric stoves, solar panels, and EV charging infrastructure across thousands of NYCHA apartments in a multi-year effort to improve both efficiency and livability.
At the same time, a growing number of new developments are incorporating sustainable design and construction practices. Many are built to high environmental standards, if not fully Passive House certified, and feature energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and electric vehicle infrastructure. These measures no longer come at the expense of design or comfort. For a segment of the market, terms such as “LEED Certified” and “Passive House” have become markers of both environmental awareness and modern luxury. As the urgency of climate change becomes increasingly apparent, attention is turning to how these standards differ and how they are being applied in residential development across the city.
Tribeca Green in Battery Park City
How to Find a Green Building: LEED Certification
Over the past 25 years, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)'s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system has become the gold standard for gauging the environmental friendliness of a building. Somewhat like the more familiar USDA label used to certify organic products, LEED certifies that a building has been developed following a set of sustainability principles, which include the following:
- Location and Transportation: Does the building offer easy access to public transportation, a car sharing service, like Zipcar, or provide onsite bicycle storage?
- Sustainable Sites: Does the site allow for rainwater management or light pollution reduction? \
- Water Inefficiency: Does the building include water reduction strategies?
- Energy and Atmosphere: Does the building meet energy performance standards?
- Materials and Resources: Does the building have a recycling program and a demolition and construction waste management plan?
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Does the building meet air quality performance standards and maximize natural resources, including daylight?
- Innovation: Does the building feature new technologies or materials designed to promote sustainability?
- Regional Priority: Has the project been designed to address local environmental challenges?
Many buildings have a seal like this one at The Solaire (April 2024 - CityRealty)
In April 2025, the USGBC launched LEED v5, which updates and strengthens the sustainability standard. It focuses on areas like decarbonization, improvement of quality of life for building occupants and communities, local conservation efforts, and climate resilience to evolve the current rating system (certified to platinum) in response to a changing market and changing conditions.
One of the people who has helped to drive sustainable development in New York City is David Burney, who served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction from 2004 to 2014. In this capacity, he managed capital projects for multiple city agencies and launched the Design and Construction Excellence Initiative. Among the Initiative’s goals was a mandate to promote sustainable design projects.
Burney, now a professor of architecture at the Pratt Institute, explains that despite the fact that public sector projects took the lead in terms of sustainability, the landscape is changing: “Since the widespread implementation of the USGBC LEED accreditation system, most large new buildings and major renovations apply for LEED certification, both public and private.”
Burney, now a professor of architecture at the Pratt Institute, explains that despite the fact that public sector projects took the lead in terms of sustainability, the landscape is changing: “Since the widespread implementation of the USGBC LEED accreditation system, most large new buildings and major renovations apply for LEED certification, both public and private.”
If you care about living in a sustainable building, Burney advices, “First, check to see if the building has LEED certification, and there are several levels, from silver to platinum, reflecting the degree of sustainability achieved. Then check the building maintenance and operations.” As he cautions, “Many buildings start out as LEED certified but if they are not properly run and maintained, they quickly become less energy efficient.”
Passive House certification
In addition to LEED, some New York City developers are beginning to adopt another recognized standard in sustainable housing—Passive House. Originated in Germany in the mid 1990s, Passivhaus, which is also applied to public and commercial buildings, continues to gain ground due to its significant energy savings. While LEED certified buildings typically use 25-30 percent less energy, Passive House buildings generally cut energy consumption by 60-70 percent and have been known to cut energy consumption up to 90 percent. Rather than rely on solar panels or wind turbines, Passive House is a building standard focused on the development of properties that use less energy from the start.
Architect Ken Levenson, a Certified Passive House Designer and founding member of New York Passive House, emphasizes that Passive House, which arrived in New York City in 2009, has had a very different history than LEED. While LEED certified projects have traditionally been concentrated in the public sector, Levenson emphasizes, “Passive House has been dominated by single family first adopters.” However, he is now witnessing a new trend: “Multifamily is in the process of taking the lead, and we expect commercial and institutional projects to follow.”
VITA, a two-building Passive House condominium development (Manhattan's largest) wrapping up construction on Ninth Avenue (April 2026)
In many respects, the fact that individual homeowners have taken the lead in the Passive House movement is not a surprise. As Levenson explains, “Passive House is narrowly focused on the things that truly drive performance—comfort, health and energy.” Another advantage is that Passive House is more accessible: “Cost is another advantage of Passive House over LEED, in that all the extra effort of Passive House is put toward optimizing the building performance, and cost optimization is part of that process. Cost is a driver, not an add-on. Consequently, properly optimized Passive House construction can cost just marginally more than conventional construction, making it not only affordable but a money maker going forward.”
Passive House construction allows for lower energy consumption (and energy bills!) at the best of times, and takes on new significance in the wake of environmental disasters. During the air quality emergency of summer 2023, advanced air filtration systems like those instrumental in achieving Passive House certification experienced a new appreciation. More recently, during the Pacific Palisades wildfires at the beginning of 2025, airtight construction methods and building envelopes were credited with sparing Passive House-built buildings from destruction (h/t Mansion Global). Check out CityRealty's ongoing list of NYC Passive House projects here.
Despite the growing number of sustainable residential projects across the city, there is still a gap between the number of green buildings in the public versus private sectors. “The public sector has mandated the use of the LEED system very broadly,” Burney explains, “But there is no requirement to do so in the private sector, although the Building Code is imposing increasingly stringent requirements for energy efficiency. Government is also slowly imposing more sustainable practices on the private sector as part of a broader climate-change policy.” Burney adds that beyond these legislative changes, consumers also are increasingly looking to buy and rent in sustainability-focused developments: “The market is demanding sustainability.” The growing enthusiasm for Passive House, which has always been more accessible, arguably also reflects the growing market demand for sustainable homes.
Where to Find Sustainable Residential Buildings in NYC
Below, see a selection of six private and public residential properties informed by the principles of sustainable design. Notably, the projects range from LEED certified and Passive House developments to developments that have prioritized sustainable design principles but chosen not to seek either certification. We also look at listings in sustainably designed buildings throughout New York City.
Beekeeper tending to The Solaire's hives (Laura Randall/Optimist Consulting)
Battery Park City: In New York’s most sustainable neighborhoods, The Solaire stands out for its naturally harvested and recycled building materials, photovoltaic panels, high-level humidification and ventilation systems, Energy Star appliances, and black water treatment and reuse system that irrigates the nearby Teardrop Park. It is little wonder the building was named “America’s first environmentally responsible residential tower” and chosen for one of the American Institute of Architects' Top Ten Green Awards when it opened in 2004.
More recently, amidst its conversion from rental to sales units, The Solaire’s interiors were reimagined with noise-reducing Low-E casement windows and environmentally friendly appliances and finishes. And when residents move in, they are gifted a jar of honey harvested from the rooftop apiary – in recognition of the importance of honeybees to the food supply, Best Bees manages beehives on the roof of The Solaire (separate from the outdoor amenity space overlooking the Hudson River and Teardrop Park.
More recently, amidst its conversion from rental to sales units, The Solaire’s interiors were reimagined with noise-reducing Low-E casement windows and environmentally friendly appliances and finishes. And when residents move in, they are gifted a jar of honey harvested from the rooftop apiary – in recognition of the importance of honeybees to the food supply, Best Bees manages beehives on the roof of The Solaire (separate from the outdoor amenity space overlooking the Hudson River and Teardrop Park.
520 Fifth Avenue (Binyan Studios)
Midtown West: At 88 stories and 1,000 feet tall, 520 Fifth Avenue is the tallest LEED certified residential building in the United States. Nearly completed, the condos on the uppermost floors are over 95% sold, and move-ins began late 2025.
Roosevelt Island: Cornell Tech opened its campus on Roosevelt Island in 2017 and is home to the world’s first high-rise residential building that meets Passive House standards. The 270-foot tall building, designed by Handel Architects, features a façade that goes well beyond aesthetics. Serving at the “gills” of the building, the façade is also designed to house the building’s highly energy-efficient cooling and heating equipment.
Williamsburg: Designed by architect Gregory Merryweather, Greenbelt Brooklyn is situated near McCarren Park in Williamsburg. A LEED Gold Certified building since 2010, Greenbelt has a lot to boast about on the sustainability front. The building uses 40 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than comparable homes. The building was also constructed using 40 percent recycled materials. Where new materials were required, sustainable choices where made—the floors, for example, feature rapidly renewal bamboo.
Harlem: Located on the south tip of Harlem just blocks from Central Park, the Kalahari is a mixed-income and LEED Silver Certified building. Among the building’s sustainable features are its recycled building materials, bamboo flooring, green roof and reliance of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. Designed by Frederic Schwartz Architects, the building embodies a whole systems approach to development.
Prospect Heights: The eye-catching design of COOKFOX's 550 Vanderbilt is underscored by environmentally friendly design features. All finishes, paints, and fabrics meet low volatile organic compounds standards, and FSC-certified wood, natural stone, and other sustainable materials were used throughout the building. Each apartment has sophisticated air filtration systems that lead to high-quality air. Outside the walls, extensive planted space offers the potential to reduce the urban heat island effect and better encourage storm water retention. It is LEED Silver certified.
Listings in LEED Certified Buildings
Downtown
The Solaire, Battery Park City
20 River Terrace
Design by Pelli Clarke Pelli | Developed by Albanese Organization
Completed in 2003
LEED Gold Certified
11 availabilities from $675K
The Solaire (Evan Joseph)
The Solaire, #21C (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)
Tribeca Green, Battery Park City
210 Warren Street
Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Developed by Related
Completed in 2004
LEED Gold Certified
2 availabilities from $999K
Tribeca Green
Tribeca Green, #5C (Coldwell Banker Warburg)
The Visionaire, Battery Park City
70 Little West Street
Design by SLCE Architects and Pelli Clarke Pelli | Developed by Albanese Organization and Starwood Capital Group
Completed in 2008
LEED Platinum Certified
9 availabilities from $1.23M
All images of The Visionaire via Corcoran
The Visionaire, #14C (Hauseit LLC)
Riverhouse, Battery Park City
2 River Terrace
Design by Ennead Architects | Developed by Sheldrake Organization
Completed in 2008
LEED Gold Certified
5 availabilities from $2.45M
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All images of Riverhouse via R New York
Riverhouse - One Rockefeller Park, #RH8
$22,000,000
Battery Park City | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,100 ft2
Riverhouse - One Rockefeller Park, #RH8 (Nest Seekers LLC)
77 Greenwich Street, Financial District
Design by FXCollaborative | Developed by Trinity Place Holdings
Completed in 2021
LEED Certified
9 availabilities from $1.5M
77 Greenwich Street (Binyan Studios)
77 Greenwich Street, #27A
$3,350,000
Financial District | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,721 ft2
77 Greenwich Street, #27A (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)
123 Third Avenue, East Village
Design by Perkins Eastman | Developed by F&T Group
Completed in 2010
LEED Certified
No Availabilities
Images of 123 Third Avenue via Brown Harris Stevens
200 East 21st Street, Gramercy
Design by BKSK Architects | Developed by Alfa Development
Completed in 2018
LEED Gold Certified
3 availabilities for $1.695M
All images of 200E21 via Douglas Elliman
200E21, #14B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
160 East 22nd Street, Gramercy
Design by Perkins Eastman | Developed by Toll Brothers
Completed in 2018
LEED Gold Certified
One availability for $995K
All images of 160 East 22nd Street via Serhant
160 East 22nd Street, #3E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Midtown
303 East 33rd Street, Kips Bay/Murray Hill
Design by Perkins Eastman | Developed by Toll Brothers
Completed in 2009
LEED Gold Certified
5 availabilities from $850K
All images of Murray Hill Green via Pari Passu Realty
303 East 33rd Street, #11E (Howard Hanna NYC)
Manhattan View at MiMa, Midtown West
460 West 42nd Street
Design by Arquitectonica | Developed by SCG America
Completed in 2016
LEED Gold Certified
Four availabilities from $1.15M
All images of Manhattan View at MiMa via Nest Seekers
Manhattan View at MiMa, #PH1C
$6,490,000 (-7.2%)
Midtown West | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,135 ft2
Manhattan View at MiMa, #PH1C (Lin Pan International Realty LLC)
520 Fifth Avenue, Midtown West
Design by Kohn Pedersen Fox | Developed by Rabina Properties
Completion estimated for 2025
LEED Gold Certified
2 availabilities from $5.95M
520 Fifth Avenue (Binyan Studios)
520 Fifth Avenue, #44A (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)
Brooklyn/Queens
1 John Street, DUMBO
Developed and designed by Alloy Development
Completed in 2016
LEED Gold Certified
3 availabilities from $2.985M
1 John Street (Alloy Development)
1 John Street, #3C (Compass)
98 Front Street, DUMBO
Design by ODA New York | Developed by Hope Street Capital
Completed in 2021
LEED Certified
6 availabilities from $699K
98 Front Street via Aaron Thompson
98 Front Street, #PH3E (Triumph Property Group Ltd)
Navy Green, Clinton Hill
8 Vanderbilt Avenue
Design by FXCollaborative | Developed by Dunn Development and L&M Development
Completed in 2015
LEED Silver Certified
No availabilities
All images of Navy Green via Douglas Elliman
550 Vanderbilt, Prospect Heights
550 Vanderbilt Avenue
Design by COOKFOX | Developed by Greenland Forest City Partners
Completed in 2017
LEED Silver Certified
3 availabilities from $739K
All images of 550 Vanderbilt via Corcoran
550 Vanderbilt, #326 (UNDIVIDED INC)
The Edge, Williamsburg
34 North 7th Street and 22 North 6th Street
Design by Stephen B. Jacobs Group | Developed by Douglaston Development
Completed in 2021
LEED Gold Certified
One availability from $2.25M
All images of The Edge North Tower via Compass
The Edge South Tower, #4R
$2,250,000 (-6.1%)
Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,335 ft2
The Edge South Tower, #4R (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
The Austin, Forest Hills
78-29 Austin Street
Design by Zproekt | Developed by Rybak Development
Completion estimated for 2025
LEED Gold Certified
9 availabilities from $815K
The Austin (Modern Spaces)
The Austin, #502 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
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