Sustainability Magazine January 2022 | Page 91

NET ZERO
What are your goals in terms of carbon emissions ? DR : ESRT is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in the Empire State Building by 2030 , and across its 10.1 million square foot commercial portfolio by 2035 .
Our Chairman , President and CEO serves on the Local Law 97 Advisory Board and on the Technical Pathways for Commercial Buildings Working Group to influence legislation based on our successful emissions reduction and sustainability practices within the Empire State Building . We are committed to exceed LL97 ’ s timeline to reduce carbon emissions , portfolio wide ; 40 % by 2030 and 80 % by 2050 .
The Empire State Building has reduced carbon emissions by 54 % over the past decade – which saves upwards of $ 4 million a year – and our current and future efforts are expected to reduce emissions by 80 % within the next decade .
Our entire portfolio is powered by renewable wind energy which makes ESRT the nation ’ s largest 100 % user of green power in real estate . ESRT received the coveted GRESB 5 Star Rating for sustainability performance in both years of participation and was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2021 .
How has the ESB adapted to the digital era ? AM : We have updated technology – within the Empire State Building and throughout our portfolio – to control air quality , temperature and light which includes CO2 sensors for increased employee productivity , MERV 13 filters to remove 85 % of harmful air particles and active bi-polar ionisation , which is shown to neutralise 99.92 % of coronaviruses .
Completed in December 2019 , the Empire State Building Observatory Experience underwent a $ 165 million reimagination which added a new entrance on 34th Street dedicated to observatory guests . There is also
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