Rental Building News and Offers

Even the buildings themselves are getting in on the act with sustainable construction practices and materials as well as energy-efficient appliances in the units. This does not come at the expense of aesthetics or luxury - indeed, some buyers have come to appreciate “LEED Certified” and “Passive House” as a new type of status symbol. We take a look at the difference between LEED and Passive House standards, as well as listings in both types of buildings.

How to Find a Green Building: LEED Certification
One of the people who has helped to drive sustainable development in New York City is David Burney. From 2004 to 2014, Burney served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction. 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.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a third-party verification system for green buildings. 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?
What is Passive House
Check out CityRealty's ongoing list of NYC Passive House projects here.
Where to Find Sustainable Residential Buildings in NYC
Below are just five 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.




Baxt/Ingui, premier residential architects, have completed a breathtaking brand-new renovation, giving this house not only new splendor, but state-of-the-art systems. The "Passive House" is completely sealed against drafts for an ultra-efficient, ecologically sound home which takes less energy and money to keep warm, while keeping out noise and pests. A sophisticated ventilation system tempers the fresh air that constantly flows into the house. Triple-glazed windows are Passive House certified and Landmarks approved, preserving both warmth and elegance. See floor plan and full details here.



Apartments at Convivium, a Passive House-certified new rental, have high ceilings and over-sized triple-glazed windows that have been treated to provide thermal retention and complete noise abatement. The layout is spacious and bright, with large windows and open plan designed for flexibility. The designer kitchen has Dekton countertops, Italian kitchen cabinetry, Fisher Paykel appliances including dishwasher and microwave, and stone floors. See floor plan and full details here.



An immaculate floor-through condo inspired by environmentally-friendly Passive House standards, this 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is a portrait of contemporary Lower East Sidea luxury. Features of the home include wide plank hardwood floors, keyed elevator access, triple glazed floor-to-ceiling windows with northern and southern exposure, high ceilings, an office nook serving as a optional third bedroom, a private balcony, an Energy Recovery Ventilator System, and a Miele washer/dryer with heat-pump technology. The marquee feature of this stunning residence are the dramatic, unencumbered views of One World Trade Center and the Lower Manhattan skyline. See floor plan and full details here.



Located just off Central Park, 15 West 68th Street is a magnificent 26' wide, 6-story single-family Beaux-Arts mansion that has been newly renovated to the highest standards to combine an abundance of stunning original detail with the finest modern amenities. This exceptional LEED-certified home with extensive Passive House innovations affords approximately 15,000 square feet of immaculate indoor living space, plus an additional approximate 2,540 square feet of marvelous outdoor space in the garden, two terraces, and roof deck. See floor plan and full details here.



Built to exacting LEED standards, 77 Greenwich is both environmentally sustainable and luxurious. Each residence combines natural beauty with the comforts of an exceptionally appointed home, including ceilings over 10', panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom Deborah Berke-designed Poliform kitchen with top-of-the-line appliance package. See floor plan and full details here.



98 Front will offer residents a LEED-certified home nestled amongst some of the city's most notable landmarks and attractions. Natural light pours in from oversized insulated sound-attenuated 8'8" windows by ALUMIL, and the 5" white oak floors further illuminate the space. High ceilings are made of polished concrete complete with junction boxes for easy lighting fixture installation. See floor plan and full details here.



City Tower is LEED Silver certified with over 23,000 square feet of amenities, both indoor and out, and views that span from Manhattan to the Harbor, City Tower encompasses all that has made Brooklyn an international destination and cultural reference point. This west-facing one bedroom / one bathroom home has large windows, a walk-in closet, dishwasher and in-unit Bosch washer/dryer. The price is net effective to reflect two months free rent on a 12-month lease. See floor plan and full details here.



Residence 5E at 200 East 21st Street, a new condominium targeting LEED Gold certification, is a stunning home with beautiful western light streaming in from over 8' tall bronze windows. Thoughtfully proportioned rooms and spaces feature 7" wide plank oak flooring finished in a sophisticated custom smoked oil stain, while grand entry and interior doors feature Valli & Valli hardware throughout. See floor plan and full details here.
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