Is the World’s Greenest Skyscraper Really Green?

September 20, 2013- Increasingly, some are questioning whether eco-friendly buildings are, in fact, really living up to their green standards. Some say it seems more greenhouse gases and more energy per square foot is used in certain green buildings than in other office buildings of comparable size.

Fast Company recently covered the debate that ensued after Co.Design flagged a New Republic article by Sam Roudman that cast doubt on the Bank of America tower’s claim to be one of the world’s “most environmentally responsible high-rise office building[s].” Writes Roudman: “According to data released by New York City last fall, the Bank of America Tower produces more greenhouse gases and uses more energy per square foot than any comparably sized office building in Manhattan. It uses more than twice as much energy per square foot as the 80-year-old Empire State Building.”

That claim may point to a failing in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED system, which ranks buildings on factors like building materials, water efficiency, and indoor air quality. The Bank of America Tower received Platinum, the highest rating. It may have deserved that designation when it opened in 2009, but its post-occupancy energy consumption may be much higher.

Roudman’s criticism of LEED set off a firestorm of debate, with the eco-minded blog Treehugger offering a counter-defense of LEED and the Bank of America Tower, which Treehugger Managing Editor Lloyd Alter lauds as “probably one of City’s healthiest buildings."

Fast Company presents both sides here.

Carnow Conibear and Associates is a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.