One Bryant Park, famously known as the Bank of America Tower, stands as a landmark achievement in sustainable commercial real estate. It holds the distinction of being the first commercial high-rise in the United States to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, setting a new benchmark for environmentally conscious construction and operation. This iconic skyscraper integrates cutting-edge technologies to minimize its environmental footprint and enhance the well-being of its occupants.
At the heart of One Bryant Park’s sustainability strategy is a 5.0 MW clean-burning cogeneration plant located on-site. This advanced system efficiently generates approximately 65% of the building’s annual electricity needs. By producing power on-site, it significantly reduces daytime peak demand by 30%, easing the strain on the city’s electrical grid. Further enhancing energy efficiency, a thermal ice storage system is implemented. This system produces ice during nighttime hours, when energy demand is lower, and melts it during the day for cooling, effectively shifting peak energy loads and contributing to grid stability.
Water conservation is another key aspect of One Bryant Park’s design. The building incorporates a gray water system that captures rainwater and snow collected on the site. This harvested water is then treated and reused for flushing toilets and supplying the cooling towers, significantly reducing potable water consumption. Combined with low-flow fixtures throughout the building, these water-saving strategies conserve approximately 7.7 million gallons of potable water annually.
Beyond energy and water efficiency, One Bryant Park prioritizes indoor environmental quality to create a healthier and more productive workspace. The building features a state-of-the-art air filtration system, utilizing hospital-grade filters that remove 95% of airborne particles, ensuring exceptionally clean indoor air. Abundant natural daylight floods the interiors through floor-to-ceiling high-performance glass curtain walls, complemented by generous 9.5-foot ceiling heights. An under-floor ventilation system with individually controlled diffusers allows for personalized climate control, while round-the-clock air quality monitoring maintains optimal conditions. The advanced glass curtain wall is designed to minimize solar heat gain through low-E coatings and heat-reflecting ceramic frit, reducing the need for artificial lighting. An automated daylight dimming system further optimizes energy use, contributing to a reduction of up to 30% in lighting and cooling energy consumption.
The commitment to green building practices at One Bryant Park underscores the broader benefits of sustainable design. Green buildings, in general, demonstrably outperform conventional buildings by conserving energy and water, minimizing construction waste, and fostering healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. Research consistently shows that occupants of green buildings experience increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. For businesses, occupying a green building like One Bryant Park offers a unique opportunity to promote their commitment to sustainability, enhance their brand image, and attract top talent who value environmentally responsible workplaces. One Bryant Park stands as a testament to how sustainable design can be integrated into iconic urban architecture, benefiting both the environment and its occupants.
