It will cost 20 million dollars, but the Empire State Building is turning green. Green as in energy and cost saving.
Johnson Controls, the Clinton Climate Initiative, and the Rocky Mountain Institute are leading a huge change for the empire state building from being an energy waster to an energy saver. The Empire State Building was built during the Great Depression so it is long overdue for an energy savings makeover. Although the project will cost $20 Million, it will save around $4.4 Million each year, which gives about a 5 year return. After the changes, the Empire State Building will cut around 38% of its energy usage.
This $20 Million green improvement to the Empire State Building consists of several changes including: Over 6,500 windows will be replaced; energy efficient lighting controls and plug load occupancy sensors will be installed throughout the building; radiative barriers will be installed next to the radiators to decrease heat leaving the building; and air handling units will be replaced. Tenants will even be able to see the amount of energy they use online and compare themselves to other tenants.
Part of the goal of this environmental initiative is to set an example to buildings throughout the world. According to the Empire State Building Sustainability project’s website, ” In the US alone, existing buildings contribute 50-70 percent of urban greenhouse gas emissions.” Yikes! Hopefully after seeing the energy and cost savings for the Empire State Building, other cities will make changes to utilize the same savings.
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I dont know if they should upgrade them or not. Things like this may have it draw back especially for facilities management professionals who use Plurk in their day to day activities such as building maintenance, electrical and mechanical engineering jobs and serching for vacancies within London and UK. FM careers may not like it?
Good news and video, thank you Kate.