Wind Power At Its Finest – Empire State And Other Buildings Are Now Powered By Wind

Happy Mag

The world just got greener. The Empire State, New York’s legendary building and the city’s number one tourist attraction is now powered by wind. The structure flickered back to life this year and it’s a beautiful sight to behold.

It’s not the only edifice in New York that’s powered by wind. Thirteen other edifices run on the same source and the power supply is offered by one company. This entirely renewable energy source has been made possible by Green Mountain Energy and Direct Energy.

New Yorkers can now take pride when they say that the building is now run entirely by wind energy. Hence, the 15,000 people working inside have now made their lives greener and more sustainable. In fact, Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT) is set to soon announce it major purchase. This move means that the nation’s biggest real estate user is now on entirely renewable energy.


The three-year contracts started Jan. 1. The documents state that the source will provide an estimated 300 million kilowatt hours of electricity. This is part of ESRT’s 10 million-square-foot portfolio. The amount is so great that it’s actually more than enough to light every home in New York to last them a whole month.

ESRT, the famous real estate trust has already established quite a reputation when it comes to sustainability. It took them more than a decade to retrofit the building with deep carbon. With its adjustments and changes, the Empire State Building was able to significantly cut its planet-warming emissions by about 40 percent. In fact, they’ve been doing this since 2011.

ESRT owns the 102-story skyscraper. This isn’t the only real estate on its ledgers. They are also proud owners of 13 other office buildings, and all of them signed a three-year contract with Green Mountain Energy for power. Now, New York and Connecticut establishments can boast about making use of renewable wind electricity.

According to the federal EPA, ESRT made the largest 100% user of green power in real estate. Donna De Costanzo, director for climate and clean energy at the Natural Defense Council shares, “More and more building owners are understanding the critical role that our skyline plays in tackling climate change and how they can be an important part of the solution.”

Cindy Reynolds, commercial sales director for Green Mountain Energy, also says, “When you have someone like ESRT who you know is going to look at every facet, whether it’s cost or reliability, and they decide to move forward … it’s not just a PR play at that point. It truly does check the boxes of all the business metrics they have. It’s so important to have examples like ESRT to show the nation that renewable power options are affordable and, dare I say, competitive.”


A decade ago earlier, the iconic building spent $550 million to make the necessary changes for its power. Now, 100 percent ofESRT’s properties, 10.1 million square-foot of its portfolio, can now say that they are fully powered by renewable wind energy. The changes mean that they have let go of 450 million pounds of carbon dioxide. The amount means that New York is able to save a lot of money when it comes to electricity use.

Green Mountain Energy was awarded the contract after a bid. There were multiple electricity providers for this, but in the end, the outplayed and outlasted the competition. The contract is expected to save more than $800,000 in just its first year.

The Art Deco decor is no longer the Empire State’s most charming site. The all-carbon neutral offices may actually give it a run for its money.

 

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