The Empire State Building will undergo an energy efficiency retrofit as part of a $500 million planned upgrade to the famous office building.
The program is expected to reduce energy use by up to 38% and will provide a replicable model for similar projects around the world.
The project will be supported by the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Johnson Controls Inc. (NYSE: JCI) (JCI) and Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL) (JLL) – today unveiled an innovative process for analyzing and retrofitting existing structures for environmental sustainability.
Work has already commenced, and building systems work is slated to be completed by the end of 2010. The balance of the work in tenant spaces should be concluded by end of 2013.
According to a release, internal calculations show that the Empire State Building will be able to qualify for GOLD certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings, and ownership intends to pursue such certification.
"Commercial and residential buildings account for the majority of the total carbon footprint of cities around the world – over 70% in New York City. Beginning in February 2008, the Empire State Building has been used as a test bench to create a replicable process to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts," said Anthony E. Malkin of building owner, Empire State Building Company. "Most new buildings are built with the environment in mind, but the real key to substantial progress is reducing existing building energy consumption and carbon footprint."
"This innovative process, which has developed new techniques for modeling and organizing an integrated program, offers a clear path to adoption around the world, leading to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions," Malkin said.
In reviewing more than 60 optional activities, the project team identified eight economically viable projects, applicable to building-wide renovations, electrical and ventilation system upgrades and tenant space overhauls that will provide a significant return on investment, both environmentally and financially.
At a cost of roughly $100 million, the Empire State Building will save $4.4 million in annual energy savings costs. Retrofits include:
- Refurbishment of approximately 6,500 glass windows
- Added insulation behind radiators to reduce heat loss
- Introduction of improved lighting designs, daylighting controls, and occupancy sensors
- Replacement of air handling units
- Upgrade of existing building control system to optimize HVAC operation
- Introduction of demand control ventilation in occupied spaces
- Introduction of individualized, web-based power usage systems for each tenant
"To make cities cleaner and more energy efficient, we urgently need a replicable model for retrofitting existing major buildings. This visionary example will help inform and inspire initiatives that can cut carbon emissions, save energy, save money, make energy efficiency jobs, and provide better workplaces in buildings all over the world," said Amory B. Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist of Rocky Mountain Institute.
The full analysis process is available online as open-source materials for public use at the link below.
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