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U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Jane M Kenny and DEP Commissioner Christopher O. Ward Announces Winners of New York City's First "Green" Buildings Competition

Release Date: 06/29/2004
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United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Jane M. Kenny and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Christopher O. Ward , today announced the selection of winners in the City's first "Green Buildings" design competition. An awards ceremony was held on Tuesday June 29, 2004 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Center for Architecture, 536 La Guardia Place, New York. Commissioner Ward hosted the ceremony. Administrator Kenny as well as Douglas Durst, co-President of the Durst Organization offered remarks. Rick Bell, Executive Director of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects also presided. In September 2003, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, Earth Pledge , the Museum of the City of New York and others announced a Green Buildings Design competition. The competition focused on the creation of sustainable development in residential, commercial, and industrial space in both existing and new building projects as well as the City's public spaces. "One of our biggest remaining environmental challenges is addressing the effect people have on the environment where they live and work," said EPA's Kenny. "In a green building, people automatically have less of an impact on our ecosystems. They don't even have to think about it. Building green should be the norm in New York City and this competition will help make that a reality." Commissioner Ward said, "I congratulate the winners of this competition. The designs comprise a group of visionary and innovative applications of sustainable development that address the deep commitment of the Bloomberg Administration to progressive urban expansion and growth. At DEP, we are committed to incorporating these concepts into our capital construction projects and infrastructure improvements. Today, New York City is on the cusp of an exciting future as an ecological metropolis spearheaded by new technologies, green roofs and sustainable development. The competitors were encouraged to explore designs that would reflect development of economic, innovative and sustainable advances to improve City living and workplace sites including: use of less toxic building materials and chemicals, reducing water and energy consumption, planning for transportation and vehicular alternatives, air quality improvements, incorporating into the city's land and streetscapes usable and reusable upgrades to promote an aesthetic and environmentally beneficial growth philosophy, and to expand upon an awareness of the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems. The competition sought ideas on how to best utilize power generation, solar and wind energy, brown field developments, as well as water and energy systems in buildings. The winners were selected by a jury of eight green building experts. NYC GREEN BUILDING DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE USE OF GOOD DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND THE INTEGRATION OF GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES QUEENS BOTANICAL GARDEN (submitted by BKSK Architects LLC) The new 15,000 square- foot Reception and Administration building is designed to achieve the highest Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating of platinum. Features will include a green roof, a rainwater collection system, a greasy water system, a cleansing biotype, a constructed wetland, an exemplary degree of natural ventilation and daylight to the occupied rooms a geothermal heating exchange system and photovoltaic panels on the roof. ROOSEVELT AVENUE/74TH STREET STATION REHABILITATION (submitted by MTA/NYC Transit) The Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street Station is the busiest in the transit system outside of Manhattan with 168,28 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 6 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 LEED 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. HONORABLE MENTIONS OCTAGON PARK APARTMENTS (Becker and Becker) Leadership in applying sustainable design principles to residential development. RAISING THE PHOENIX (CREA Affiliates) Integrated rigor of sustainable remediation focusing on health and productivity. BRONX CRIMINAL COURT HOUSE (Raphael Vinoly Architects) Innovative day lighting strategies. BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (Raphael Vinoly Architects) Application of sustainable design principles to a museum. NEW CORONA MAINTENANCE SHOP AND CAR WASH (MTA/NYC Transit) Excellence in integrating sustainable design strategies into a railcar maintenance facility.