W CityCenter champions public health, safety
W CityCenter is the latest structure in the country to achieve LEED Gold certification from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the world’s leading sustainability and health certification body.
Built by the W Group Inc., the W CityCenter in 7th Avenue corner 30th Street is a 29-story building completed in 2016, designed by New York-based architectural firm CAZA.
W CityCenter houses local and multinational companies including Globe Telecom, Willis Towers Watson and Cardinal Health. It is also the second building in the W Group’s portfolio to get a LEED certification after Citi Plaza.
The certification further underscores the company’s commitment to creating globally attuned, grade-A projects that champion environmental awareness and public health and safety.
GBCI conducted the review process, which confirms the certification of qualified buildings.
The review scrutinizes the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of green buildings, ensuring that standards are met–or exceeded–in the following areas: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
W Group factors the integration of sustainable practices in all its buildings including W CityCenter. During its construction, over 20 percent of the total cost of all materials were from recycled components such as glass, steel, and concrete with fly ash.
Over 95 percent of W CityCenter’s construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills to reduce negative environmental impact.
The building is also built with a green roof and low-E double glazed windows to reject heat, and reduce cooling loads. The building’s eye-catching facade is a functional design, as it is made of high-performance low emissivity glass with special ceramic glass frit. This reduces W CityCenter’s solar heat gain while maintaining excellent light transmission inside of the building and quality views to the outside.
As it commenced operations, more internal systems at the W CityCenter ensured tenants’ well-being and the environment’s benefit. These include the use of low flow fixtures like lavatory faucets and toilets that reduce water consumption by over 45 percent installation of LED lighting, and energy-efficient cooling and ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption by 22 percent while maintaining thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
W CityCenter is compliant with the ASHRAE 62.1-2007 indoor air quality standards, improving occupant comfort, well-being, and productivity. The building also utilizes paints, adhesives, sealants, and floor finishes, low in volatile organic compounds for a healthier indoor environment.
According to Francis Wee, W Group’s chief executive officer, the LEED certification of W CityCenter entails several benefits both for the company, its tenants, and communities.
“A green-certified building allows us to provide world-class spaces to local and multinational locators who wish to nurture both their productivity and well-being.” Wee said.
