SL Green Realty achieves LEED EB: O+M Silver certification for 485 Lexington Avenue

485 Lexington Avenue - Manhattan, NY

Manhattan, NY SL Green Realty Corp.’s 485 Lexington Ave. has achieved a LEED EB: O+M Silver certification, being among the first in the borough and nationwide to achieve a LEED certification under version 4.

“This achievement speaks to our forward-thinking environmental program and indicates that we are well-positioned for changes in the NYC sustainability space. From pursuing the highest levels of LEED to exploring the newest technologies, sustainability is a tool that improves our portfolio quality and enhances tenant experience,” said Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green.

To achieve a LEED version 4 certification, 485 Lexington updated its operational strategy to reduce resource consumption and perform with optimal efficiency. Specifically, the building realized a 27% reduction in water consumption. 100% of the cleaning products purchased meet green cleaning health standards. The building also achieved an Energy Star score of 76.

Tenant engagement is another important component of the certification; over 1,000 tenant employees completed office comfort and transportation surveys.

“LEED version 4 program requirements are 15-20% more stringent than current version 3 requirements,” said Elizabeth Majkowski, director of sustainability and senior VP, operations for SL Green. “This certification demonstrates our leadership in NYC in achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions consistent with the mayor’s long-term plan.”

This is the tenth LEED designation for SL Green. Also in the pipeline is a LEED certification at its renowned development project, One Vanderbilt Avenue.