February 25, 2013 -
Green Buildings
According to CodeGreen Solutions, 5 Penn Plaza has achieved LEED-EBOM Silver certification. Located on 8th Ave. between 33rd and 34th Sts., property manager CBRE was able to earn the rating for the 654,000 s/f building after enlisting CodeGreen's guidance. "The building staff at 5 Penn was dedicated to their goal of achieving LEED Silver and looked at every possible strategy to improve the building's operating practice and energy efficiency," said CodeGreen project manager Jessica Miller of the process.
Under CodeGreen's management, 5 Penn was able to achieve a 20% reduction in water usage below the LEED baseline and has an ongoing consumables recycling rate of 73%. The property also implemented the use of green cleaning products and entry way mats, super saver T8 lighting with occupancy sensors, timers on individual electric hot water heaters per floor, and occupancy sensors in restrooms throughout the building. CodeGreen obtained 5 Penn's Energy Star Label for 2012 and helped to increase the score to a 77 during the LEED performance period by conducting a NYSERDA Cost Shared Energy Audit and Retro-Commissioning Study. These studies will also help the building comply with New York City Local Law 87 compliance in 2013. In line with their commitment to sustainability, the building is also working on transitioning from oil to natural gas heating in 2013, and other various energy efficiency improvements.