7 WTC received its LEED certification

7 World Trade Center officially became a "green" office building when the U.S. Green Building Council presented its certificate for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) on March 8th.

The certificate recognizes 7 WTC's status as an energy efficient and environmentally sound building. Its "green" features include exterior walls that conserve energy, a rainwater collection system to help with cooling and irrigation, recycled-content building materials that have already and will continue to reduce waste, and other conservation and air-quality measures.

The construction of 7 WTC itself is part of the environmentally sound package that Silverstein Properties, the building's developer, has masterminded, highlighted by the use of ultra-low-sulfur fuel in construction vehicles and other pollution-control measures that already have earned them a Quality Award from the Environmental Protection Agency. Obtaining LEED certification required the joint effort of the construction team led by Tishman Construction and a group of experts at Chrisner Group, which also includes Chelsea Group.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on scientific standards, LEED emphasizes strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. LEED recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training, and practical resources.

Related Links