Currents

An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments

AIA's Top Ten Green Projects Showcase Environmentally Responsible Design, Redevelopment of Viable Brownfields

20 River Terrace, The Solaire, New York City
Cesar Pelli & Associates Architects, New York City
URL: http://www.aiatopten.org/hpb/overview.cfm?ProjectID=273

20 River Terrace is a 27-story, glass-and-brick residential tower in Battery Park City, directly adjacent to the site of the former World Trade Center, meeting both the recently enacted New York State Green Building Tax Credit and Gold LEED™ Certification. The architect designed the 357,000-square-foot, 293-unit building to consume 35 percent less energy, reduce peak demand for electricity by 65 percent, require 50 percent less potable water, and provide a healthy indoor environment. An integrated array of photovoltaic panels generates 5 percent of the building's energy at peak loading. The building incorporates an advanced HVAC system, fueled by natural gas and free of ozone-depleting refrigerants. Daylighting has been maximized, and high-performance casement windows were used throughout. All residential units include programmable digital thermostats, ENERGY STAR® fixtures and a master shutoff switch.

Jury Comments: The architect set a high agenda in terms of bringing sustainability and social responsibility to a mainstream project in a competitive market.

• 20 River Terrace, The Solaire, New York City
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• Herman Miller, Zeeland, Mich.,
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• The Plaza at PPL Center, Allentown, Pa.,
• City of White Rock Operations Centre, White Rock, British Columbia
• Woods Hole Research Center Gilman Ordway Campus, Woods Hole, Mass.
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