Building Green-Designed Projects
Gilbane remains committed to sustainable practices on all our projects, and we achieve this through several different means, including pursuing projects that embed green practices in every aspect of design and construction. For example, Gilbane recently completed the first net-zero New York Public Library Branch in Staten Island in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Ikon 5 Architects. The state-of-the-art LEED Gold-certified library has 168 roof-top photovoltaic panels, enhanced insulation, low-energy lighting, and other energy-efficient measures. Gilbane conducted tests on the building for over a year to ensure it would meet the standards of a net-zero building and achieve carbon-neutrality.
Partnerships that Drive Environmental Change
We seek client partnerships that match our commitment to sustainable building practices. Gilbane recently completed a fit-out for the 34th floor of a financial institution that had a minimum 50% debris recycling goal. When construction began, our project team discovered the prior tenant left everything behind. Gilbane’s commitment to zero waste along with the partnerships of the client, our team removed all existing appliances, including soap dispensers, artwork, toilet partitions, faucets, ceiling tiles, carpet and more and coordinated with NYC Flooring to donate and recycle all items. Everything throughout the floor was reused through donations to Habitat for Humanity, or other organizations and individuals. The team surpassed the client’s debris recycling goal by turning around 90.15% of recycled materials with Tri-State Demolition, totaling over 126 tons of material.
Innovative Ideas to Support Sustainable Initiatives
Another example of Gilbane’s commitment to sustainable building practices is exhibited in our project in Sunset Park, Brooklyn which will create a campus at Bush Terminal, including affordable workspaces for fashion industry innovators, garment manufacturing and local production. During construction, our project team recognized an opportunity to reuse surplus wood, including structural and finish components, when fitting out tenant space. By recycling the excess wood compiled throughout the project, Gilbane helped reduce the project budget by eliminating certain material costs. All of this demonstrated our commitment to advancing the City’s goal of sustainability and recognition of Bush Terminal’s historic past.
Our commitment to sustainability is further advanced by our use of industry-leading technology, resources and building practices. Comparing and managing the carbon content of specific buildings materials, tracking and managing energy consumption and carbon production that occurs through our operations, and the ability to impact and reduce our own carbon footprint both internally and for our clients are critical capacities for us and the industry going forward. Gilbane project teams are constantly looking for ways to leverage our experience, technology and innovative thinking to advance our environmentally focused goals while being an inspired and sustainability-positive partner to all parties we work with.
