The Durst Organization and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, has achieved the rating of LEED Gold v2.0 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Consistent with The Durst Organization’s ongoing commitment to delivering projects at the highest levels of sustainable development, One World Trade Center was awarded the LEED Gold v2.0 rating for its industry-leading standards across multiple categories, including energy, water, lighting, materials, transportation, air quality, and people.
The 3 million-square-foot office tower is more than 70 percent leased.
“The LEED Gold rating is a great accomplishment for the entire One World Trade Center construction, design and operations team,” said Jody Durst, President of The Durst Organization. “We are proud of this designation, which reflects our commitment to delivering environmentally responsible projects that operate at maximum efficiency and provide the healthiest work space possible for our tenants, and employees who service the building.”
“One World Trade Center is the world’s most environmentally sustainable project of its size,” said Beth Wolfowitz, Port Authority Director of Leasing and Development for the World Trade Center Redevelopment Department. “The LEED Gold certification further validates One World Trade Center’s standing as a global leader in socially responsible design and construction and the dedication of everyone who helped make this building the world’s premier office address.”
“One World Trade Center is an elegant, globally recognized office tower that provides a wide spectrum of tenants with an optimal experience, and is now officially recognized for what we have known all along — that its design, construction, and operations set the standards of excellence,” said Cushman & Wakefield Executive Vice Chairman Tara Stacom. “This remarkable, aspirational property never ceases to amaze me. Congratulations are in order for the entire team.”
“Durst isn’t like any other organization, and One World Trade Center isn’t like any other project,” said CEO Tom Paladino of Paladino and Company, One World Trade Center’s sustainability consulting firm. “The Durst team is uniquely savvy about how to navigate the hurdles of a LEED certification while also fortifying their business. I see One World Trade Center as Durst’s new capstone project — no building is too big to be green.”
Among many positive attributes contributing to the office tower’s LEED Gold certification, the USGBC noted that One World Trade Center:
Was designed to reduce its energy use 18.3% below the baseline
Met requirements for 50% potable water use reduction for irrigation through the use of drip irrigation and use of captured storm water for irrigation
Achieved aggressive lighting efficiency goals
Utilizes materials chosen for their sustainability attributes — with over 25% recycled content, 35% regional materials and 50% certified wood
Includes ventilation systems that perform well in excess of the minimum indoor air quality requirements, achieved through a substantial air filtration system installation that is above and beyond the base requirements
Anchored by global publishing giant Condé Nast, One World Trade Center provides direct, weather-protected connections to 11 subway lines, the PATH train, and the Hudson River ferries. In addition, the West Concourse pedestrian walkway — which connects the World Trade Center campus to Brookfield Place and Battery Park City — now offers access to the newly opened World Trade Center Transportation Hub and to the entrance to One World Observatory. The building also provides access to dozens of retail shops being managed by Westfield, including restaurants and services, and the new MTA Fulton Transit Center on Broadway.
Developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, One World Trade Center sets new standards of design, construction, and prestige, and heralds the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. Managed, operated, and leased by The Durst Organization, One World Trade Center is the new icon of New York's skyline and the most recognized and desirable office address in the world.
About One World Trade Center:
Developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, One World Trade Center sets new standards of design, construction, and prestige, and heralds the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. Managed, operated, and leased by The Durst Organization, One World Trade Center is the new icon of New York's skyline and the most recognized and desirable office address in the City.
