Empire State Building Sets New Standard as First LEED v5 Platinum Certified Building in New York State
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LEEDtechnical
A LEED certification is a widely recognized rating that evaluates how energy-efficient and environmentally friendly a building is, like an energy- and sustainability report card for real estate. Investors care because higher ratings often mean lower operating costs, stronger tenant demand, potential tax or regulatory benefits, and better resale value — all of which can influence a property’s income and long-term return.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designtechnical
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a widely used third-party certification that rates buildings and developments on energy efficiency, water use, material sourcing, indoor air quality, and site impact. Like a fuel-efficiency label for buildings, LEED signals lower operating costs, reduced regulatory and environmental risk, and stronger tenant or buyer demand, all of which can improve property cash flow, valuation and access to incentives—key factors for investors evaluating real estate or corporate facilities.
LEED v5technical
LEED v5 is the latest version of a widely used green-building rating system that evaluates how well a building conserves energy, water and materials, improves indoor air quality, and reduces environmental impact. For investors, a LEED v5-rated property is like a car with a high fuel-efficiency score: it typically costs less to operate, attracts tenants willing to pay premium rents, and may face lower regulatory or resale risk because it meets stricter sustainability expectations.
Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance Version 5technical
A building certification standard that sets practices for how existing commercial or residential properties are run and maintained over time, with “version 5” indicating the fifth edition of that rulebook. It covers everyday operations—energy, water, waste, occupant comfort and routine upkeep—so investors can judge likely operating costs, regulatory and tenant risk, and long‑term value; think of it like a vehicle’s maintenance schedule and handbook for keeping a property efficient and marketable.
retrofittechnical
Retrofitting means updating existing buildings, equipment, or systems with newer technology or safety features instead of replacing them entirely. Like renovating an older house by installing modern insulation, efficient heating, or updated wiring, retrofits can lower operating costs, extend asset life, and help meet regulations or sustainability targets—factors that affect a company’s future profits, capital needs, and risk profile.
low carbon retrofitstechnical
Upgrades made to existing buildings or infrastructure to cut greenhouse gas emissions, typically by improving insulation, replacing old heating and cooling systems with efficient or electric alternatives, and adding renewable energy or smart controls. Investors care because these projects can lower operating costs, protect assets from future carbon regulations and rising energy prices, and increase property value and tenant demand—similar to weatherproofing a house to reduce bills and avoid expensive repairs.
environmental, social, and governancefinancial
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) describes a set of non-financial criteria used to evaluate how a company manages its impact on the planet, its relationships with employees, customers and communities, and the strength of its leadership, policies and oversight. Investors treat ESG like a maintenance and reputation checklist: companies with strong ESG practices may face fewer regulatory, legal or social problems and are often viewed as lower-risk and better positioned for sustainable long-term returns.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) today announced that the Empire State Building has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification under the Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance Version 5 program, the highest level of recognition under the U.S. Green Building Council’s latest standard. The Empire State Building is the largest LEED v5 Platinum project in the United States and the first in the state of New York to earn this recognition.
“This achievement reflects years of dedication by the Empire State Building team to set a high benchmark for energy efficiency and sustainability performance in existing buildings with a proven payback,” said Dana Robbins Schneider, senior vice president, director of energy and sustainability at ESRT. “The new standards set by LEED v5 align with the systems and practices we have implemented at the building, which reinforces the strength of our long-term strategy.”
The newly developed LEED v5 program is the most rigorous version to date and focuses on leadership in energy and environmental design through measurable performance in energy use, emissions, resilience, water, waste, IEQ, and responsible materials.
The Empire State Building has been LEED certified for more than a decade and advanced from Gold to Platinum under the new LEED v5 standard because of continued performance improvement. Developed with the Empire State Building’s successful examples and advisory expertise, LEED v5 incorporates proven experience and practical approaches to achieve results and sets the highest sustainability standards. This certification awards buildings with the highest possible sustainability rating based on the most up-to-date criteria.
Through an industry-leading retrofit at the Empire State Building, ESRT has reduced energy use at the Empire State Building by 51%.
ESRT published the “Empire Building Playbook: An Owner’s Guide to Low Carbon Retrofits” – co-created with NYSERDA and supported by other NYC-based landlords and the Clinton Global Initiative – to guide building owners in the steps to achieve a successful deep energy retrofit with a proven return on investment.
In its annual Sustainability Report, ESRT transparently highlights its leadership, practices and progress toward its sustainability goals. Learn more about ESRT’s environmental, social, and governance commitments here.
About Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased, top of tier, modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. ESRT’s flagship Empire State Building, the “World's Most Famous Building,” features its iconic Observatory, ranked the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The Company is a recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. As of September 30, 2025, ESRT’s portfolio is comprised of approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space and 743 residential units. More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at esrtreit.com and by following ESRT on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.
Source: Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
Category: Sustainability
