A Model Relationship in Energy Savings: State Building and Li & Fung USA

Adapted from a case study on the CMI High Performance Tenant Demonstration website(link is external).

In 2008, building owner Empire State Realty Trust committed to establishing the Empire State Building as one of the most energy-efficient buildings in New York City and the
world’s most environmentally conscious office tower built before World War II. By renovating its central systems, the Empire State Building made it easier for tenants to realize savings as spaces are leased and built out.

In 2011, Li & Fung USA (LFUSA) leased nine floors in the Empire State Building, the largest leasing transaction in the building’s 80-year history. Motivated by the company’s sustainability policy, LFUSA had considered several options when selecting office space for its expansion in New York. However, the company was drawn to the Empire State Building because of the owner’s commitment to retrofit it as a leading example of making a landmark building energy efficient and sustainable.

After LFUSA signed its lease and began its design process, the Empire State Building’s ownership recommended that LFUSA partner with NRDC’s Center for Market Innovation (CMI) as part of the High-Performance Tenant Demonstration Project. CMI has helped LFUSA analyze the potential performance of its space and select a package of measures to maximize cost-effective energy savings, thereby reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact.