New Solar Roof at 500 West Putnam in Greenwich Continues Reckson's Committment to Sustainability
January 13th, 2010 at 4:09 PM
First Building in Reckson's Suburban Portfolio to Feature This
On Site Renewable Energy System
White Plains, NY - January 5, 2010 - Reckson, a Division of SL Green Realty Corp. is proud to announce the installation of a new 100 kilowatt photovoltaic solar panel system on the roof of 500 W. Putnam in Greenwich, Connecticut. The system is capable of delivering up to 50 percent of the building's energy needs during peak performance, and it's anticipated that it will provide approximately five percent of the property's annual energy needs.
"We are thrilled to announce this environmentally significant achievement at 500 West Putnam, the first building in our 31-property suburban portfolio to receive a solar roof installation," said John Barnes, Senior Vice President and Senior Director who added that over the course of the next 30 years, this system is expected to offset over six million pounds of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to planting 240 acres of trees or recycling 58,050,000 cans of soda or not driving 4.5 million miles in a car.
The new solar paneled roof, installed by Mercury Solar systems in a little over four week's time and partially financed with State and Federal grants, aligns with LEED requirements. It provides onsite renewable energy both for the property and its tenants and it allows tenants seeking LEED Commercial Interior Certification to be eligible for points associated with its "Onsite Renewable Energy" category.
Reckson has embraced sustainability since 2007 when it launched its suburban sustainable program led by Jason Black LEED AP, which involves expanding its recycling efforts to include carpet and ceiling tile, following efforts to recycle cardboard and scrap metal from all job sites. To date, Reckson has recycled over 350,000 square feet of each carpet and ceiling tile, totaling over 200 tons of debris diverted from landfills. In 2008, Reckson was recognized by BOMA Westchester with its ‘Best Green Initiative' Award for its sustainable program. And two months ago, the Company completed its $1.2 million suburban office lighting retrofit program, which involved upgrading/replacing existing light fixtures within 20 of Reckson's Westchester and Connecticut buildings' core/common/garage areas with high efficiency fixtures. Reckson's sustainable program is expected to provide an annual savings of approximately $500,000 in reduced energy costs with a payback period of 1.2 years.
According to Mr. Barnes, "Our corporate culture totally embraces the green movement. We have four LEED accredited professionals on staff who develop and implement our sustainable programs and our employees participate in the Westchester County Climate Change Action Committee and The White Plains Green Technology Committee."
Reckson, acquired by SL Green Realty Corp. in 2007, is one of the leading owners and operators of suburban commercial real estate with approximately six million square feet of Class A commercial office space in its portfolio.
About SL Green Realty Corp.
SL Green Realty Corp. is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT, that predominantly acquires, owns, repositions and manages Manhattan office properties. The Company is the only publicly held REIT that specializes in this niche. As of March 31, 2009, the Company owned 29 New York City office properties totaling approximately 23,211,200 square feet, making it New York's largest office landlord. In addition, at March 31, 2009, SL Green held investment interests in, among other things, eight retail properties encompassing approximately 400,212 square feet, three development properties encompassing approximately 399,800 square feet and two land interests, along with ownership interests in 33 suburban assets totaling 6,986,500 square feet in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey.
To be added to the Company's distribution list or to obtain the latest news releases and other Company information, please visit our website at http://www.slgreen.com/ or contact Investor Relations at 212-216-1601.
Tags: John Barnes, 500 West Putnam