The Big Apple goes green

Tourism organisation NYC & Company spearheads Earth Day celebrations with a panel discussion on green tourism in the Big Apple.

“New York City has long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts among major cities around the world,” NYC & Company’s president and CEO Fred Dixon said. “Today’s event is more proof that our City’s tourism industry is committed to keeping our City green and preserving our planet.”

It is no surprise, then, that many of NYC’s hotels and attractions have embarked on ecofriendly initiatives designed to enhance visitor satisfaction and honour the environment.

Here are a few stand-outs that’ll get any nature enthusiast giddy.

The New York Hilton Midtown

This hotel sports a 1486m² green roof that promotes local farming, reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the hotel and minimises cooling costs.

Conrad New York

Like the Hilton, this hotel’s roof is also ‘green’ in that it houses a garden that supplies signature restaurant, ATRIO, with fresh vegetables.

Le Bernardin

In a gesture that encapsulates the phrase ‘the devil is in the detail’, this four-star seafood restaurant has introduced biodegradable straws and tasting spoons in its kitchen, as well as a Swedish proprietary system to purify its water. Furthermore, at the end of every night, it donates unused fruit, bread, pastries and fish to food rescue organisation City Harvest for distribution to shelters around NYC.

Telepan

Famous for its crispy potato pierogies and house-smoked brook, this upscale establishment sources all ingredients from greenmarkets around the City.

Angelica’s Kitchen

A vegan restaurant whose partnerships with local farmers and purveyors ensure that ingredients are organic and sustainable.

Empire State Building

In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce the iconic skyscraper’s carbon footprint. In addition to the refurbishment of all 6514 of its windows, new building management controls and a computer-controlled LED light system have been installed. These improvements have tangible results. Energy use has decreased by 38% and carbon emissions by 105,000 metric tonnes.

Whitney Museum of American Art

In May of this year, the Whitney museum will reveal its newly renovated home, designed by architect Renzo Piano. Reclaimed old-growth pine will cover 5574m² of flooring and an advanced building management network will be installed. The museum will also feature a three-tier shade system that adjusts the amount of light entering windows and skylights.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ever at the forefront of sustainable technology, the Met utilises a wireless environmental sensor network that adjusts the lighting and temperature of the rooms holding its art collection. This smart system, provided by IBM, reduces the museum’s energy costs and also extends the life of its artwork.

New York Botanical Garden

Situated in the Bronx, this garden’s 30,000 trees already help clean the air and capture storm water. However, it is its buildings’ and trams’ most recent switch from oil to natural gas that has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Museum of the Moving Image

This trove of art, history and the techniques and technology of media is also home to an energy-efficient LED lighting system that enhances the look of its façade and interiors.

Greenbelt Conservancy

Visitors to this cluster of public parks are spoiled for choice – from nature walks to hike sessions to tours that communicate the importance of the vast Greenbelt parklands, there’s never a dull moment.

Snug Harbour Cultural Centre & Botanical Garden

Those who stop by this environmentally-friendly heritage farm can learn about the value of eating locally from knowledgeable staff.

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