Sustainability
At Vornado, we believe that environmental sustainability is not only responsible citizenry, it is also good business.
Our goal is to be a leader in sustainability by creating a corporate culture that integrates the principles of environmental responsibility and sustainable growth into our business practices, our planning and our relationships. We have already incorporated many sustainable initiatives in our buildings and in our programs, and we are expanding and developing environmental best practices in our operations across the country.
Programs and Initiatives
Consistent with Vornado's sustainability goals, each divison within the company has embarked on ambitious sustainability programs and projects. The cornerstones of our efforts are our ENERGY STAR benchmarking ratings, our energy efficiency projects, progressive energy management programs and techniques, and our LEED certification and tenant outreach efforts. To successfully manage our sustainability efforts, we have organized teams within each division and within each building to help identify and implement cost-effective opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint.
- LEED
LEED Vornado is currently working to certify its existing buildings portfolio under the LEED EB O&M system. LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building or community performs across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. To learn more about LEED, go to www.usgbc.org
- ENERGY STAR and Benchmarking
ENERGY STAR and Benchmarking Benchmarking energy usage is the keystone to any effective energy efficiency and management program. At Vornado, we utilize the EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager Program to benchmark and track the efficiency of our buildings.
We are proud that over 20 million sf of buildings in our office portfolio have received the prestigious ENERGY STAR label.
- Energy Management and Efficiency
Energy Management and Efficiency Our engineers at every building utilize sophisticated building management systems and technology to manage and mitigate the energy consumption throughout our portfolio. Many Vornado properties also participate in demand response programs, curtailing their use of power during peak demand periods when the electricity grid is strained. We continue to enhance our energy management capabilities through ongoing improvements to our metering and technology. Highlights of our energy management efforts include our soon to be trademarked Energy Information Portal and our one-of-a-kind Tenant Services Center.
Moreover, Vornado continues to investigate opportunities to implement on-site cogeneration in our portfolio. The advantages of on-site cogeneration continue to be compelling, with the ability to provide, more reliability on the grid, back-up power to tenants and a lower carbon footprint.
- Green Cleaning
Green Cleaning All Vornado buildings are cleaned and maintained using a green cleaning system managed according to sustainability best practices, with a focus on:
- Employee training and education
- Energy conservation
- Indoor air quality
- Resource conservation
- Responsible procurement
- Waste reduction
- Water conservation.
- Education and Outreach
Education and Outreach Understanding sustainability, efficiency and environmental stewardship is a key part of maintaining a high performance building. At Vornado, we hold annual educational sessions for all of our building managers and property managers to keep them up to speed on the latest sustainability and LEED principles.
- Sustainability Policies
Sustainability Policies Vornado is implementing sustainability policies across our portfolio that impact the way our buildings purchase products, conduct construction and demolition projects, and recycle and reuse waste and materials in our offices and buildings. These policies highlight our commitment to environmentally conscientious purchasing, construction and operations wherever possible.
