The Solaire’s 27-story, 293-unit building in New York City is the first residential high-rise building in the U.S. that was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. It includes a 5,000 square foot solar panel system that powers common areas.
The solar system and other energy-efficient improvements reduced energy consumption by 35%, helping the building save on electricity expenses over time.
Since 2004 the solar system has been meeting or exceeding production estimates.
The solar panels are made from recycled silicon, supporting the building’s goal of using 50% recycled-content building materials, which reduces the environmental impact of construction.
The Solaire building, located in Battery Park City, New York, stands as a pioneering example of sustainable urban living. It is the first high-rise residential building in the United States to achieve LEED certification, highlighting its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
This innovative approach not only highlights The Solaire’s role in advancing green architecture but also serves as a model for future developments in sustainable residential design.
Integrated into the building facade, these panels generate about 5% of the building’s total energy needs.
A vegetated roof covers three-quarters of the open roof area, utilizing drought-tolerant plants to manage rainwater effectively.
Over 60% of the building materials were sourced within a 500-mile radius, and 93% of construction debris was recycled.
Advanced ventilation and multi-level humidification systems ensure a constant supply of filtered air.
The Solaire has been widely recognized for its sustainable design and impact and influenced building guidelines and policies within New York City. It has been featured in multiple articles and case studies by organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council, Green Building Information Gateway, and GreenHome NYC.
The Solaire’s 76 solar panels create a visually striking effect from the street, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable principles. The canopy above the main entrance incorporates 151 square feet of solar panels that provides shade and shelter from the rain in addition to generating electricity.
Unlike many solar photovoltaic systems, this building needed a unique arrangement of solar panels on the facade and canopy, featuring custom sizes and shapes.
The solar cells that make up the panels were manufactured from recycled silicon which helped the building team reach its goal of using 50% recycled-content building materials. The panels were also manufactured less than 150 miles from the building site. The solar electric systems are sized to meet 5% of the building’s nonresidential electric load in common areas such as hallway lights and mechanical systems.
The Solaire building was financed through a combination of public and private funding sources. Specifically, it received support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York City Battery Park City Authority (BPCA). These organizations provided grants and incentives to promote the development of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
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