Hudson Square Properties joins NYSERDA Empire Building Challenge in Drive Toward Carbon Neutrality by 2032

As Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050 begins, we are proud to announce the Hudson Square Properties joint venture has been awarded a partnership in the NYSERDA Empire Building Challenge to drive toward a carbon neutral building by 2032. This prestigious partnership is the first step in a multi-phase challenge that will lead to increased comfort, sustainability and energy performance of the state’s existing high-rise buildings. Partners are required to research and develop a retrofit solution proposal for funding to demonstrate carbon neutrality in their building(s) as part of the challenge’s next phase. Low Carbon Retrofit proposals will then be submitted for competitive funding awards as part 2 of the challenge, where next steps will consist of the design and implementation of replicable and scalable retrofits that meet mutually agreed upon carbon reductions.

“Hines and the Hudson Square Properties joint venture are proud to partner with NYSERDA, in addition to global and local climate leaders to help eliminate the threat of climate change, while creating an equitable and just transition for all” said Hines Vice President of Construction, Michael Izzo. “We believe it’s incumbent on all CRE leaders to be bold in our attempt to impact real change by developing a framework for achieving carbon neutrality in an existing pre-war building, while preserving New York City’s rich architectural history.”

The initial commitment will begin with 345 Hudson, pledging carbon neutrality by 2032. The building will reduce its site Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 71% from 2010 EUI level by 2032. The EUI of the building in 2010 was 126 kbtu/SF, and by 2032, we commit to reduce the EUI to 36 kbtu/SF. The building is in the heart of Hudson Square between King and Charlton Streets, in an area that was once known as New York City’s printing district. Built in 1931, the building boasts over 928,000 square feet across 17 stories and offers tenants beautifully designed modern spaces housed in a historically architectural building.

Gathering leaders in the climate change technology space such as Google’s Sidewalk Labs, The Clean Fight NY, and Eurotech Bridge among others, insures a permanent impact on carbon emissions. Simplifying the solution to a very complex issue and sharing it industry-wide will be key to affecting lasting change across the state and reducing the almost 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions generated by the CRE industry.