These new initiatives will supplement the many green procedures and policies that are already in place at every building in the portfolio, including a comprehensive recycling program, and the use of Green Seal or U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) Certified cleaning and paper products, Green Shield Certified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints, wall covering, carpet, base and adhesives.

Our goal is for every W&H building eventually to be an Energy Star Partner, a status that the Empire State Building already has attained, with a future goal of attaining and maintaining Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Energy Star Partners measure, track and benchmark their energy performance, develop and implement plans to improve that performance, and educate staff and the public about the partnership and achievements with Energy Star. An Energy Star plaque confirms that the building's energy efficiency is in the top percentile of buildings in its class.

We are also following guidelines established by the USGBC. For example, we are designing and constructing pre-built suites according to LEED-CI® certification criteria. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the Council, is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

Furthermore, we are reducing water usage, promoting water conservation efforts, and increasing the recycling diversion rates and the types of materials recycled, both in terms of daily waste and in renovation/new construction projects, with a target of recycling 90 percent of cartable waste. Many of our new initiatives focus on indoor environmental quality. These include upgrades of systems to improve efficiencies and enhance tenant comfort levels, improvements in indoor air quality through increased ventilation and the installation of more efficient air filters, and the implementation of energy efficiency strategies in upgrades of common areas.

"From its inception, W&H always believed that commercial landlords and their tenants have a responsibility to protect the environment," explains Fred C. Posniak of W&H. "Therefore, we are at the forefront of green initiatives."

For more information about W&H's sustainability program, please contact your building manager or visit whpropertiesny.com.