Reckson chooses 100% renewable energy through Renewable Energy Choice

Eight months after 360 Hamilton Ave., owned by Reckson a division of SL Green, received the U.S. EPA's Energy Star label with a score of 91, Reckson has chosen 100% renewable energy. "We are very excited about this outstanding initiative, the next step in our market- leading sustainable program, balancing our strong commitment to energy efficiency as seen through the receipt of the Energy Star Label, and social responsibility by supporting renewable energy," said John Barnes, senior VP and senior director of Reckson. "We see this as a unique opportunity to help further reduce our environmental impact, and encourage further development of the renewable energy market. Our interest in renewable energy began in February 2010, with the installation of a 100 kw solar roof panel system, generating on-site renewable energy at Reckson's 500 West Putnam Ave., in Greenwich, Conn." The renewable energy will be used to offset 100% of 360 Hamilton Ave.'s annual energy use through Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Purchased from Renewable Energy Choice, the RECs will be used to support, and increase the amount of energy generation on the power grid through regenerative resources such as wind, water, and solar power energy. The environmental impact of the REC's purchased is equivalent to removing 2,295 cars from the road for one year. According to Jason Black, LEED AP, Director of Sustainability for SL Green, "This initiative at 360 Hamilton Avenue underscores our commitment to sustainability, healthier work environments for our tenants, and the benefits of renewable energy. This program was developed in conjunction with Reckson's current pursuit of a LEED Certification for the property. Through a two-year commitment, it will help provide critical points toward this designation from the U.S. Green Building Council, and will provide additional points for a tenant's pursuit of a LEED Commercial Interior Certification."