Hudson Yards, a Sustainable Neighborhood

Last year, was the first  Earth Day since Hudson Yards was designated Manhattan’s first LEED Gold neighborhood development. The designation, by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a global recognition of achievement and leadership in the area of sustainability. The group also recognized the individual buildings - 10, 15, 20, 30 and 55 - for their sustainable design and construction. And no wonder: innovative sustainability was a driving force behind the planning of Hudson Yards - from its infrastructure to the buildings themselves. The resulting development, with a first-of-a-kind microgrid, stormwater reuse, five acres of public green spaces, pedestrian-friendly design and easy access to public transportation, has set the standard for forward-thinking, low-impact urban planning.

Toward that end, Hudson Yards is continuing its commitment by supporting eco-friendly waste and energy efforts, identifying recycling opportunities and encouraging compost throughout the campus. In turn, commercial companies are furthering the neighborhood ethos with some eco-friendly strategies of their own:

They are minimizing the effects of production

Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, Stuart Weitzman and Kate Spade is in the midst of a major initiative to significantly minimize its environmental impact by 2025. Its goals include lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, achieving 95% traceability of all raw materials, sourcing 90% of its leather from the most sustainable tanneries, reducing water consumption by 10%, reducing waste by 25%, and ensuring that all of its packaging is made of 75% recycled content.

They are eliminating single-use food and drink containers

VaynerMedia has cut out the use of all plastic bottles, plastic and paper cups, and straws in its offices, providing mugs and glasses to employees and guests instead.

They are using environmentally friendly supplies

Intercept has switched to eco-conscious office necessities such as copy paper, staplers and tissue boxes. It also encourages the reuse of dining ware, cutlery, mugs and glasses by storing those implements in its pantries. Alternatively, it offers compostable cutlery, plates and bowls. Finally, it has installed centralized waste management bins, designated for compost, recyclables and landfill.

They are supporting the Low Carbon Economy

Wells Fargo is working to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and reduce the impacts of climate change through a variety of efforts. The financial institution is not only increasing its own operational efficiency but also advancing innovative clean technologies and creating resilient communities by supporting nonprofits, universities, and other organizations focused on community-based environmental projects. To help guide environmentally responsible financing, Wells Fargo signed the Equator Principles and the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investing, and is a member underwriter of the Green Bond Principles.

They are committed to achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions from their operations

SAP believes that improving its own sustainability performance gives the company insight to help its customers do the same. It is focused on three key metrics: environmental, social and economic, and committed to making operations carbon neutral by 2025. Toward this goal, it is working to avoid, reduce and offset carbon emissions and cooperate with international and local e-waste disposal partners to refurbish and recycle its e-waste, among a host of other initiatives.

They are improving the health and the environment 

Equinox Hotel is optimizing the indoor air quality with low or zero-VOC and green cleaning products that reduce the use of harsh or toxic chemicals. To improve energy efficiency in each guest room light & air are controlled by Lutron or Interel systems, to conserve energy when the room is unoccupied. And sourcing local produce wherever possible to support the local farming community and reduce transportation of goods.