The World Trade Center Sustainable Design Guidelines are unprecedented in their scope and depth, going well beyond standards for other commercial development and office buildings. At a minimum, they follow the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System,™ the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

One World Trade Center is being built according to and beyond The World Trade Center’s Sustainable Design Guidelines, using new technologies and methods to maximize efficiency and minimize waste and pollution. The design team is pursuing unprecedented collaborations with technology and energy leaders to take advantage of the next generation of innovative energy sources and management, such as fuel cells, as well as off-site renewable energy sources.

The tower’s construction will include cutting-edge innovations in: energy efficiency, air quality, water conservation, day lighting, materials conservation, and clean construction. Featuring:

• State-of-the-art energy conservation technology to reduce energy demand.
• Ultra-clear glass technology introduces more daylight, is more energy-efficient and affords spectacular views for tenants.
• Indoor air quality is improved due to increased outside-air ventilation and the use of low emitting building materials.
• Increased water conservation through the use of high-efficiency toilet fixtures and the capture and storage of rainwater for use as cooling tower make-up.
• A 1.2 MW fuel-cell plant will generate clean electricity and heating energy to satisfy a portion of the buildings requirements.
• Construction conservation innovations are being realized from the use of recycled content building materials, the recycling of construction debris and the use of sustainably harvested wood.
• Cleaner air in the community is being achieved during construction from the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels and particulate filters on construction vehicles.
• Unique mass transit connections will help reduce vehicular traffic and related emissions. One World Trade Center, and all of the structures on the entire World Trade Center site, will benefit enormously from the construction of The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, a landmark project that will be, in essence, the new Grand Central Terminal for all of Lower Manhattan. It will provide climate-controlled pedestrian connections to the major NYC subway lines, to buses, to the new Fulton Transit Center (under development) and to the Hudson River Ferry Terminal, also being expanded for increased service and functionality