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New York City Takes the LEED

AUGUST 7, 2008

New York City Takes the LEED in Building Green
We've learned that pretty much everything we do affects the environment, and our buildings are certainly no exception. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, today's buildings use 71% of the nation’s electricity and generate 36% of its carbon dioxide emissions, more than any other sector of the U.S. economy. This revelation led the U.S. Green Building Council to create the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) panel and the LEED certification process. The panel "encourages sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria." Buildings that apply for certification are evaluated on key factors, including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Manhattan is home to the nation's first green residential high-rise to obtain certification (The Solaire in Battery Park City). Another pioneer is The Lucida at 151 East 85th Street.

Other LEED certified residential buildings in Manhattan include 1400 Fifth Avenue; Riverhouse; The Laurel; The Helena; The Visionaire; One Jackson Square; The Kalahari; The Brompton; The Harrison; HL23; 515; Millenium Tower Residences.