7 World Trade Center has become the first office tower in New York City to receive a gold rating for environmental sustainability from the United States Green Building Council.

The USGBC, which has developed the nation's only common standard of measurement for a "green" building, certified Silverstein Properties' 1.7 million-sf tower at Gold status under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. LEED designations are awarded based on criteria including the amount of open space, natural light, energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction and cleaner air.

"We were able to attain Gold LEED status by using local and regionally extracted materials," says Mel Ruffini, senior vice president of Tishman Construction Corp. and project executive for 7 WTC. "We garnered innovation 'points' for having 100% green power, steam condensate cooling, automatic climbing formwork, and reduced emissions construction equipment."

Another feature that played well in the eyes of the USGBC panel was the development of a 15,000-sf parcel, which had been part of the footprint of the original 7 World Trade building, into a public park. Rainwater and irrigation from the park will be harvested to cool the building. The building also features enhanced natural light achieved through the use of energy-conserving, ultra-clear glass technology. The use of ultra-low sulfur fuels and particulate filters on construction vehicles earned Silverstein Properties an EPA Environmental Quality Award.

"Everything we do at 7 World Trade Center, we will do at the Freedom Tower, and at all subsequent World Trade Center buildings," says Larry Silverstein, Silverstein Properties president.

7 WTC was one of the first projects awarded a LEED designation for new core and shell construction where the owner does not control the interior design and fit-out. The Hearst Tower and The Durst Organization's One Bryant Park are also expected to receive USGBC gold status.

Instant Insights /

7 WTC is City's First Green Office Tower

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