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Dec
05
Green Buildings in New York: 10 Things to Look For
written by Warren Lewis Team
New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world and offers an abundance of options. Be it restaurants, movie theaters, opportunities or living spaces, New York is the land of plenty. This is particularly true of housing options, especially if you're looking to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. With so many great green buildings in New York, the choice can be a difficult one, especially if you plan to make a long-term commitment to a living space. The following tips aim to help you make the right choice by detailing a few things you should be looking for in an eco-friendly NYC home.
1. Location, Location, Location
If you're looking to live a sustainable lifestyle by renting a green apartment or space, you undoubtedly are looking to live that lifestyle in other ways. Pick a location that will help you do that. Is there a market nearby that sells in-state produce? Is the subway close enough? Is there plenty within walking distance? These will all end up being the conveniences you love in the long run. Consider living somewhere that is near an organic food store, local farmers’ market or co-op.
2. Energy Efficiency
How does the building get its power? Solar panel-powered buildings are great, but there are other, less-flashy methods for conserving energy. Consider buildings with motion-sensor lights, air filtration systems, low-flow plumbing, and efficient appliances.
3. Building Materials
Building materials should be eco-friendly and sustainable, by both origin and longevity. Search for a building that uses recycled, long-lasting materials, like wooden floors and quartz countertops. Look for materials that aid in heating and cooling costs as well, like convection ovens, magnetic induction stovetops, highly efficient heat pumps, low VOC paints, energy-efficient windows, and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems.
4. Water Efficiency
How is the building’s water system set up? Many green buildings in New York have systems that recycle or reuse water. Look for a location that encourages you to minimize your use of H₂0, and supports your efforts with low-flow plumbing, roof drainage systems, and other internal features. For example, the Jade 8 complex has a “green” roof, which retains water so as to detain runoff into the sewer during storms in addition to a rain screen façade which helps deflect moisture from the building's walls.
5. Indoor Air Quality
The air quality in your building is one of those concerns that will affect not only you, but the world around you as well. Look for a building that has clean internal air. Is the building well-ventilated? Is it asbestos-free and regularly checked for mold? This is particularly a concern with newly-renovated buildings.
6. Maintenance and Operation Practices
Many large buildings have a staff which is trained to run the building and keep common areas clean. Look for buildings that have green practices set as a standard. This includes sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and an operations crew who is continually striving to make the building healthier and efficient.
7. Waste Reduction
It is important to look for green buildings in New York that not only incorporate sustainable waste reduction (recycling and composting) into daily operations, but also give you options. Big buildings typically generate a lot of trash, and one that helps its tenants sort out how to efficiently get rid of that trash incorporates sustainability into you
8. Design
This category is particularly relevant to new buildings. Look and make sure the building was designed to be sustainable. Do windows let in a lot of natural light, reducing energy costs? You might watch for a place that utilizes Loewen windows, which are made of thicker glass; this improves the soundproofing, durability, and insulative capabilities of your windows. Are the materials used able to absorb heat and keep the place warm? Is the layout an excellent use of space? Buildings built by developers with experience with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification are your best bet.
9. Education and Outreach
While not many green buildings in New York offer this option, it is important to consider one that might (or might allow you to help organize something). One of the biggest ways to live green is to lead by example and to teach its benefits as well. Living the idea helps you, your neighbors, and the City. The building community can host green events, and establish a building wide web network and blog to exchange ideas and promote the eco-friendly environment.
10. Lot Use
New York City is huge, but with so many people in vertical living, space becomes an issue. Look for buildings that have been renovated, rather than companies that have knocked down and disposed of tons of material. Look for somewhere that may provide some very rare green space, but most importantly look for a place that uses its lot in a way that does not adversely affect the surrounding area.
