commentWTC Going for Gold
In September 2006, New York Governor George Pataki unveiled designs for three new World Trade Center (WTC) towers and announced that each building will pursue a LEED Gold rating.
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Joining 7 World Trade Center, which earned a Gold rating in July 2006, and the Freedom Tower, currently under construction, the new towers will feature extensive daylighting, interior finishes with low levels of volatile organic compounds, and water and energy conservation measures. According to Peter Constantakes, spokesman for Governor Pataki, the buildings will exceed the New York State Energy Code by 20 percent, and renewable energy credits will be purchased for all of the electricity required for the core and shell of the buildings.
In addition to these measures, each tower will feature natural gas-powered hydrogen fuel cells that, when combined, will generate 4.8 megawatts of electricity. Michael Saltzman, spokesman for the New York Power Authority, said that fuel cells have a good reputation in New York City and throughout the state as “wonderful, clean, reliable technology,” and that their inclusion in the World Trade Center was consistent with the state’s efforts to promote clean energy.
Project developer Larry Silverstein, president and CEO of Silverstein Properties, believes the pursuit of LEED certification reflects his efforts to encourage green building in New York City. Of the company’s plans to rebuild the World Trade Center, he said, “We pledged to conserve New York’s most precious resources, including water and energy. We pledged to create a healthy, enjoyable, and productive environment for the people who work here.”
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