This month marks the completion of a new 16-story office tower that is being promoted as New York City’s most sustainable office structure. That boast is backed by an innovative HVAC system that features geothermal wells, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) units, radiant heating and cooling, and a sophisticated control system to ensure that the elements work optimally together.
The 555 Greenwich development is connected to the structural frame of the adjoining 345 Hudson St. office building. Its advanced HVAC technologies will result in whole-building energy use of less than half of its adjoining office mate and be 40% lower than an average large New York City office building, according to a news release from Hudson Square Properties, the building’s developer.
The tower is fully electrified with no fossil fuel use on site for any purpose. Even though it uses electricity to heat the building, it will use 40% less electricity than comparable commercial properties. The building employs a fully integrated radiant heating and cooling system fed by fluid conditioned in geothermal wells along with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS). Working in concert, the two systems optimize energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The DOAS also supplies fresh air for a healthier indoor environment.
A closed-loop geothermal system embedded in foundation caissons uses the steady temperature of the ground for heating and cooling. The geothermal and radiant heating systems effectively turn the concrete superstructure of the building into a large thermal battery. 555 Greenwich will be the first New York City office building to utilize these systems together in this way, the release says.
Advanced building control systems bolster sustainability. “555 Greenwich is pioneering the use of AI to efficiently toggle between the building’s multifaceted geothermal heat sources, predict heating and cooling needs in advance based on weather forecasts and occupancy patterns, and, over time, learn how to more efficiently transfer energy to and from sister building 345 Hudson,” the release says. “A key component of 555 Greenwich’s construction was a one-of-a-kind horizontal overbuild fully integrating the brand-new building with its century-old sibling, and the dynamic is a look at how modern technology can be integrated into older properties.”
Consulting engineers JB&B and sustainable design firm COOKFOX consulted with Swedish firm urbs to develop the leading-edge HVAC system based on concepts employed more commonly in Europe.
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: Hudson Square Properties and Hines
Design architect: COOKFOX
Architect of record: COOKFOX
MEP engineer: JB&B
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
General contractor/construction manager: AECOM Tishman
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Aug 13, 2018
There's more to the open office than headlines suggest
A study found that contrary to popular belief, the open office did not encourage—but rather, inhibited—face-to-face communication.
Office Buildings | Jul 31, 2018
Office trends 2018: Campus consolidations bring people together
Companies create community-rich work environments where employees can thrive.
Office Buildings | Jul 25, 2018
New study on occupant comfort advances Saint Gobain’s design approach for renovation and new construction
The building products giant gauges its employees’ perceptions of old and new headquarters environments.
Office Buildings | Jul 18, 2018
A day in the life of an ‘agile worker’
When our Gensler La Crosse office relocated last year, we leveraged the opportunity to support an agile workplace strategy (aka, no assigned seating). Here’s what I’ve experienced firsthand.
Office Buildings | Jul 17, 2018
Transwestern report: Office buildings near transit earn 65% higher lease rates
Analysis of 15 major metros shows the average rent in central business districts was $43.48/sf for transit-accessible buildings versus $26.01/sf for car-dependent buildings.
Office Buildings | Jun 18, 2018
Cube-shaped AmorePacific headquarters building completes construction in Seoul
The David Chipperfield Architects-designed project began in 2010.
Office Buildings | Jun 15, 2018
Portland’s newest office buildings put nature on center stage
Hacker Architects designed the space for Portland’s Frontside District.
Sustainability | Jun 13, 2018
Largest Passive House office building in the U.S. will be built in Chicago’s West Loop
Solomon Cordwell Buenz is designing the building.
Office Buildings | Jun 11, 2018
Online travel company moves to the 66th floor of the Empire State Building
The new headquarters includes almost 20,000 sf of additional space.
Office Buildings | Jun 6, 2018
Final Cut: Jupiter Entertainment’s new production studio in New York combines office and editing spaces
The project team completed this full-floor renovation in four months.