SL Green Realty Corp. has joined together with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aligning common goals through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), conforming a commitment to build sustainable work environments together. "SL Green is enthusiastic about our new relationship with one of the nation's most highly recognized environmental organizations, joining a shortlist of noteworthy program participants, recognizing our commitment toward market leading initiatives and innovation delivering efficiency, value and health for our business, tenants, and community," said Jay Black, SL Green's director of sustainability. As part of this new MOU, SL Green will continue to address a broad platform of initiatives aligning closely with US EPA interests and utilize its tools to strengthen water conservation, recycling, and energy reduction. Underlining its environmental initiatives and goals within the MOU, SL Green received several significant designations including 15 2011 US EPA Energy Star Labels, in addition to its LEED-EB Gold Certification at 360 Hamilton Avenue, in White Plains, NY in December 2011. "This is only one of ten buildings in NY State to receive a gold level certification, which includes SL Green's second label after 100 Park Avenue's LEED-EB Silver Certification in 2009," said Edward V. Piccinich, executive vice president, Management & Construction at SL Green. "These designations represent the foundation of our industry leading initiatives including portfolio LEED based green cleaning, full recycling program diverting 75% of all property waste, 2011 water efficiency measures reducing consumption by 8,000,000 gallons annually and installation of cutting edge LED lighting technology that utilizes 50% less energy." To highlight the MOU, SL Green was awarded with the 2011 national ceiling tile recycling award by Armstrong World Industries, Inc. for its extensive participation within its national ceiling tile recycling program. Since 2007, SL Green has recycled more than 2,000,000 square feet of carpet and ceiling tile, diverting over 750 tons of construction waste from landfills. "Carpet and ceiling tile were an obvious next step in our recycling program, significantly increasing our construction recycling rates through a seamless process, with no impact to cost or schedule." said Jay Black. "Old ceiling tiles are recycled into new ceiling products, while carpet is turned into a variety of second generation commodities. It is the right thing to do, and with momentum building, this will continue to play a leading role within our sustainability program, and shared vision with the US EPA."