Empire State Building's Sustainability Retrofit Program Achieves 2010 ENERGY STAR Certification

NEW YORK, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The ground-breaking energy efficiency work at the Empire State Building, the World's Most Famous Office Building, has achieved another milestone on its journey for sustainability leadership in the commercial real estate community by receiving its second ENERGY STAR certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The certification signifies that the property's energy performance is part of a select group of commercial office buildings, new and old, across the nation that have received this accolade. ENERGY STAR recognition was a stated objective in the iconic property's overall sustainability retrofit initiative launched in April 2009.

ENERGY STAR is a governmental recognition program that offers organizations access to resources that help evaluate their building's energy performance, reduce energy usage and lessen their overall carbon footprint. To obtain a certificate, a number of structural and energy output goals must be met and verified by a licensed engineer. Only buildings with a rating of 75 points or above (out of 100), are eligible for certification.

Anthony E. Malkin of Malkin Holdings, which directs the operation of the international icon on behalf of building owner Empire State Building Company, stated, "Receiving an ENERGY STAR rating is a significant accomplishment for any building, and we are proud that our Pre-War Trophy Empire State Building has again qualified." He added, "This is only a part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact."

In April 2009, ESB, alongside President Bill Clinton and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, announced details of the groundbreaking $20 million sustainability retrofit aimed at reducing energy consumption, operating costs and carbon emissions. The replicable program will reduce energy usage by more than 38 percent and save the building over $4.4 million annually. Key initiatives include refurbishment of the building's existing 6,514 windows, added insulation behind radiators to reduce heat loss, and the introduction of tenant energy management systems to allow for efficient control of power usage.

ESB further strengthened its sustainability efforts in 2011 by announcing the use of 100 percent wind power, becoming New York's largest commercial purchaser of renewable energy. Most recently, ESB shared details of a multi-year contract with Otis to fully refurbish and modernize the building's 68 elevators. As a result of this upgrade, regenerated energy will be returned back into the building grid, reducing elevator energy by 30 percent.

In addition to Energy Star certification, the work at the Empire State Building would qualify under current standards for LEED-EB Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.

About the Empire State Building

Soaring 1,454 feet (from base to antenna) above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the "World's Most Famous Office Building." With new investments in infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The skyscraper's robust broadcasting technology supports all major television and FM radio stations in the New York metropolitan market. The Empire State Building was named America's favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects. The Empire State Building Observatory is one of the world's most beloved attractions and is the region's #1 tourist destination. For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.esbnyc.com, www.facebook.com/EmpireStateBuilding, or @ESBObservatory.

Media Contact: Edelman Public Relations
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SOURCE Empire State Building