Reckson continues commitment to sustainability with new solar roof

Reckson, a division of SL Green Realty Corp. based in New York, has installed a new 100 kilowatt photovoltaic solar panel system on the roof of 500 W. Putnam. The system is capable of delivering up to 50% of the building's energy needs during peak performance, and it's anticipated that it will provide approximately 5% of the property's annual energy needs. "We are thrilled to announce this environmentally significant achievement at 500 W. Putnam, the first building in our 31-property suburban portfolio to receive a solar roof installation," said John Barnes, senior vice president and senior director who added that over the course of the next 30 years, this system is expected to offset over six million pounds of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to planting 240 acres of trees or recycling 58,050,000 cans of soda or not driving 4.5 million miles in a car. The new solar paneled roof, installed by Mercury Solar systems in a little over four week's time and partially financed with state and federal grants, aligns with LEED requirements. It provides onsite renewable energy both for the property and its tenants and it allows tenants seeking LEED Commercial Interior Certification to be eligible for points associated with its "Onsite Renewable Energy" category. Reckson has embraced sustainability since 2007 when it launched its suburban sustainable program led by Jason Black, LEED AP, which involves expanding its recycling efforts to include carpet and ceiling tile, following efforts to recycle cardboard and scrap metal from all job sites. To date, Reckson has recycled over 350,000 s/f of each carpet and ceiling tile, totaling over 200 tons of debris diverted from landfills. In 2008, Reckson was recognized by BOMA Westchester with its "Best Green Initiative" Award for its sustainable program. And two months ago, the company completed its $1.2 million suburban office lighting retrofit program, which involved upgrading/replacing existing light fixtures within 20 of Reckson's Westchester and Connecticut buildings' core/common/garage areas with high efficiency fixtures. According to Barnes, "Our corporate culture totally embraces the green movement. We have four LEED accredited professionals on staff who develop and implement our sustainable programs and our employees participate in the Westchester County Climate Change Action Committee and The White Plains Green Technology Committee."