The monolithic glass-clad United Nations building in New York built up an energy bill of $15 million in 2006, in part due to a 50-year-old, leaking façade, according to an Aug. 20 article in Business Week.
The 39-story tower is now up for a major refurbishing, and UN officials are aspiring for a silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, according to the article.
The renovation includes a high-performance façade paired with a more open interior to allow occupants to use natural light instead of electrical lights. In addition, the building will feature solar energy systems.