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EPA And New York City Launch Second Green Building Competition

Release Date: 9/22/2005
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FOR RELEASE: Thursday, September 22, 2005

(#05107) NEW YORK -- What do a former ice house in Brooklyn, a subway station at Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street in Jackson Heights and the Queens Botanical Garden have in common? They were all architectural design concepts that won the first New York City Green Building Competition in June 2004. Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg appeared at Solar 1, a green facility under the FDR Drive, with New York City's Department of Building Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) First Deputy Commissioner David B. Tweedy to announce the opening of the second New York City Green Building Competition.

The competition promotes the creation of sustainable development in residential, commercial and industrial spaces in both existing and new building projects as well as the city's public spaces. This year's Green Building Competition is focused on innovations and integrating green building practices.

"Green building is now in the mainstream here," Regional Administrator Steinberg said. "The public doesn't just accept it; many expect it where they live and work. This competition will help create more visible examples of building green in the everyday city mosaic."

"The benefits that could be gained by making our buildings operate more efficiently would go a long way to helping the nation's energy crisis, improving air quality and conserving water," said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd. "Last year's designs comprised a group of visionary and innovative applications of sustainable development. At DEP, we are committed to incorporating these concepts into our capital construction projects and infrastructure improvements."

"Sustainable development is a cost-effective way to ensure that the built environment and the natural environment can co-exist in harmony. Buildings that are water and energy efficient, that use less resources and produce less toxins, benefit everyone," said Commissioner Lancaster. "By recognizing exceptional green design, we encourage the efforts of architects, engineers and property owners who care about the preservation of New York City's homes and habitats."

The competitors are encouraged to explore designs that would reflect the development of economic, innovative and sustainable advances to improve city living and workplace sites. These advances include: using less toxic building materials and chemicals; reducing water and energy consumption; planning for transportation and vehicular alternatives; improving air quality, incorporating into the city's land and streets capes usable and reusable upgrades to promote an aesthetic and environmentally beneficial growth philosophy, and expanding upon an awareness of the need to preserve our natural ecosystems. The competition seeks ideas on how to best utilize power generation, solar and wind energy, brownfields developments and water and energy systems in buildings.

ROOSEVELT AVENUE/74 TH STREET STATION REHABILITATION (submitted by MTA/NYC Transit) The Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street Station in Jackson Heights, Queens is the busiest in the transit system outside of Manhattan with 168,280 daily customers. This project includes the demolition and reconstruction of a bus terminal
and the substantial rehabilitation of two train stations, which will be linked to form a transportation hub. Currently in construction, this project will include sustainable
features such as 90% recycled content steel, the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in construction equipment and natural lighting and ventilation to increase energy efficiency.

BROOKLYN ICE HOUSE (submitted by Big Sue LLC) This converted industrial building (now six residential units) opened its doors this year to tenants. Recycled and found objects are evident throughout the space, including claw foot tubs and pedestal sinks reclaimed from the streets. Alternative radiant floor heating was installed to efficiently heat the units accommodating for tall ceilings and large windows. The building is designed to achieve a LED silver rating.

SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY (submitted by MTA/NYC Transit) Spanning approximately 8.5 miles between 125th Street and Hanover Square, the proposed Second Avenue Subway line will serve Manhattan's East Side. Alternative energy sources such as a geothermal exchange system and fuel cell technology will be incorporated into the project. To facilitate energy efficiency, the tracks will be constructed with an aluminum third rail and utilize a saw-tooth profile. Also, the station entrances will be oriented to maximize natural lighting and tunnel ventilation.

STUDIO 27 REGENERATIVE ROW HOUSE (submitted by Studio 27 Architecture) This theoretical housing prototype combines advanced technologies and ancient principles and can serve as a foundation for a more sustainable community. The conceptualized row house provides city wildlife with shelter on its green roof, as well as space for a family garden. The design includes a 100% storm water management system that collects rainwater, which can then be recycled and reused for bathing and landscaping.