As one of the world’s leading owners, developers and managers of commercial real estate developments, The Rockefeller Group is dedicated to the protection of the environment. It supports environmentally responsible policies and procedures. Through its actions, the company consistently endeavors to incorporate a sensible, sustainable approach to the environment and natural resources.

Taking an active, progressive role to manage its environmental impact, The Rockefeller Group seeks LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a uniform practice for all new construction at its development projects across the country. In May 2010, the company completed the largest LEED Gold Certified industrial building in North America, in Social Circle, Georgia. A year earlier, it completed a LEED Silver Certified industrial building in Tucson, Arizona. LEED Certifications at varying levels are being sought for several other projects across the country. The Rockefeller Group is committed to green construction and believes it is critical in today’s environment, as people become more aware of the finite resources of our planet, and share a desire to live and work in healthier environments.

For its existing buildings, The Rockefeller Group recognizes the importance of operations that incorporate sustainable best-management practices for site maintenance, water usage, energy management, waste diversion, cleaning, and indoor air quality. In 2009, The Rockefeller Group's signature office building, The McGraw-Hill Building, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, achieved LEED-EB Certification. The 2.5 million square foot property is the largest LEED-EB certified building in New York. LEED-EB is the designation by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for existing buildings.

Key Design Goals to Achieve Sustainability In Projects:

Water Efficiency

• Reduce indoor water use by at least 40%, using low-flow plumbing fixtures.
• Landscape with native and non-invasive plants that require 85% less water to survive.

Site Development

• Maximize open space: Over 40% of a site to remain open.
• Filter and recharge storm water naturally to remove more than 80% of total suspended solids.

Indoor Environment

• Increase occupant satisfaction and well-being with better indoor air quality:
  • Increase ventilation 30% over conventionally designed buildings.
  • Use low- to no-off-gassing products.
  • Provide daylight to 75% of the spaces and access to a view of the outdoors to 90% of the spaces.

Energy

• Design buildings to reduce energy use by at least 20%, compared to conventionally designed buildings. Strategy includes:
  • Highly efficient mechanical equipment
  • Solar photovoltaic systems
  • Relatively transparent Low-E, high-efficiency glass used to maximize connection to exterior without compromising energy efficiency.
• Orient buildings with the longest axis from east to west to minimize exposure from the sun while optimizing day-lighting opportunities.
• Mount vertical stone fins on east and west elevations, held away from facade glass to mitigate east/west sun exposure. Mount horizontal louvers above facade glass on south elevations to mitigate sun exposure.

Material Selection

• Purchase at least 20% of a project’s materials with recycled content. Purchase at least 10% from local suppliers to reduce transportation impact and to benefit the project’s local economy.
• Divert at least 75% of a project’s construction waste away from landfills and incinerators.