SL Green achieves LEED-EB Gold certification by USGBC

According to Reckson, a division of SL Green, 500 West Putnam Ave., a 121,000 s/f, four-story office building has been awarded a LEED-EB Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. "Reckson is very pleased to announce this significant designation, expanding our market leading sustainable program," said John Barnes, Reckson senior vice president, and managing director. "In addition to receiving the Energy Star Label for three consecutive years, 500 West Putnam Avenue is only one of two buildings in the state of Connecticut to publicly receive a LEED-Existing Buildings (EB) Gold certification." This is the third LEED-EB certification for SL Green; the company achieved a LEED-EB Silver certification in 2009 for 100 Park Ave., the redeveloped 36-story, 825,815 s/f "Modern Classic" situated across from Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. In 2011, SL Green received a LEED-EB Gold certification for 360 Hamilton Ave., the 384,000 s/f property located in White Plains, N.Y. According to Jay Black, SL Green director of sustainability, "LEED certified buildings can have a profound environmental impact. 500 West Putnam recycles more than 50% of its waste, reduced energy use by 10%, and improved water consumption by 37% to achieve this noteworthy designation. In addition, the property installed a white roof to reduce heat gain, and a rooftop solar panel system that contributes 7% of the building's annual energy needs." Black adds, "LEED Certified Buildings have also shown to reduce employee absenteeism and enhance productivity for its occupants, according to the USGBC." "These are important achievements that reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability," according to John Barnes. "It's essential that we continue to deliver the highest quality of office space, utilizing LEED standards to provide more productive and healthier working environments."