Empire State Realty Trust reported that its flagship Empire State Building has achieved LEED v5 Platinum certification, the highest level under the U.S. Green Building Council’s newest rating system for existing buildings. The certification makes the building the largest LEED v5 Platinum project in the United States and the first in New York State to reach this level.
The certification is based on a 51% reduction in the building’s energy use compared with a 2007 baseline, a figure that reflects the extensive retrofits and operational changes the company has implemented over the past decade. The energy savings translate into lower operating costs and a higher net operating income for the property.
Prior to this milestone, the Empire State Building earned a LEED Gold rating in 2011 after a major retrofit that introduced high‑efficiency HVAC, lighting, and water‑saving systems. ESRT has also achieved carbon neutrality in 2022 and consistently receives top scores on the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, underscoring its long‑standing commitment to environmental stewardship.
LEED v5 introduces stricter, performance‑based criteria that emphasize measurable outcomes in energy, emissions, resilience, water, waste, indoor environmental quality, and responsible materials. The new standard requires buildings to demonstrate real‑world performance rather than design intent, making the Platinum certification a rigorous endorsement of the Empire State Building’s operational excellence.
The certification strengthens ESRT’s sustainability leadership and enhances the building’s appeal to ESG‑focused tenants who are willing to pay premium rents for high‑quality, environmentally responsible office space. The achievement also reinforces the company’s brand as a forward‑thinking real estate operator, potentially boosting tenant retention and attracting new high‑quality tenants, which supports long‑term revenue and margin objectives.
Dana Robbins Schneider, ESRT’s senior vice president and director of energy and sustainability, said the certification “reflects years of dedication” and that the new LEED v5 standards align with the systems and practices already in place at the building, reinforcing the company’s long‑term strategy.
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