Empire State Building towers above energy efficiency expectations

9th May 2012

It may be one of the most iconic structures in the world, but have you ever thought about how energy efficient the Empire State Building might be?

Probably not – but a recent drive to make the star of the New York City skyline more eco-friendly seems to have paid off.

Work began back in 2009 to make a number of improvements, which included changing 6,500 windows and upgrading cooling systems.

Not only this, but the building now has the ability to adjust temperatures on a floor by floor basis and switch lights off in areas where they are not in use.

Sadly, solar power has not yet played a role – but who knows what the future may hold!

All these efforts so far have meant the Empire State Building has reduced its energy consumption by 20 per cent – and the renovations are not yet complete.

Estimates suggest further changes could make the building 40 per cent more efficient, which would be quite an achievement for a structure of its size.

If the second-tallest building in Manhattan can manage it, then there's no reason homeowners can't do the same.

Posted by Mike Peacock

 

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