MNN - Mother Nature Network

The Bank of America Tower, located in Midtown Manhattan, broke ground in August 2004 and is the first skyscraper to be constructed from the ground up with a focus on obtaining LEED Platinum Certification.  The skyscraper's original completion date was this year but the date has been revised and it should be finished sometime in 2009.

 

Eco-Friendly Features
The building will feature low-e and low iron insulating glass, a 5.1 megawatt co-generation plant, floor-specific heating and cooling systems, a gray water system with an estimated 10.3 million gallons of water saved annually, low-flow plumbing, extensive use of recyclable and renewable products and much more.

 

LEED Platinum
The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Platinum Certification is the ultimate certification for both commercial and residential buildings in the United States.  In order for the Bank of America tower to achieve its goal, the building will need to earn a minimum of 52 points spread across six environmental categories.

 

“By 2010, approximately 10% of commercial construction starts are expected to be green, according to McGraw Hill Green Building Smart Market Report 2006.” Source:  USGBC  

 

Companies do not have to be involved in new construction to receive LEED certification for their facilities.  The USGBC also provides the Existing Buildings:  Operations & Maintenance guidelines.