The Albanese Organization's The Verdesian Becomes the First Platinum LEED® Certified Residential High-Rise Tower in the United States
U.S. Green Building Council awards NYC development with its highest level of LEED certification

New York, NY, Jan 14, 2008 - /FLIERWIRE/-- The Verdesian, a luxury rental tower from New York-based premier green residential developer The Albanese Organization in conjunction with Northwestern Mutual, has become the first residential high-rise in the United States to be awarded Platinum LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"Once again the state of New York is leading the country - and we are proud that it is in the area of sustainable construction. I want to congratulate The Albanese Organization for blazing the trail in this area," said New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer. "Their building, The Solaire, was the first ever green residential high rise in the country. Now, their second building, The Verdesian, is the first to receive a LEED Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. They continue to set the bar with their latest green project The Visionaire. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I thank the entire Albanese family for their commitment and dedication."

The Verdesian was completed in 2006 and is located at the northern end of Battery Park City. Designed by Rafael Pelli of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the 27-story environmentally advanced rental building includes 252 studio to three-bedroom residences and is 40 percent more energy efficient than standard building code requires.

"In collaboration with visionary leaders including our design team, led by Rafael Pelli, and the Battery Park City Authority, The Albanese Organization is thrilled that The Verdesian has become the first residential high-rise tower in the country to achieve Platinum LEED status," said Russell Albanese, president of The Albanese Organization. "Our company continues to look at ways in which we can improve upon and advance green design and sustainability in our projects."

Each residence at The Verdesian offers quiet, year-round central air-filtration that removes 85 percent of particulates, providing each home with fresh, filtered air that is heated and humidified during cold weather, and dehumidified during warm weather. Digital, programmable thermostats in each residence give comfort and enable residents to save on utility bills. EnergyStar® appliances, high-efficiency lighting fixtures, master residence light switches and highly insulated Cardinal LoE2 - 170 glass windows also save energy. The residences feature a centrally filtered water system with secondary filtration at refrigerator dispensers as well.

Additional sustainable elements at The Verdesian include continuous internal IAQ monitoring to ensure maximum environmental quality, and Merv 12 filters endorsed by the American Lung Association are used in all resident HVAC units. The high-performance exterior wall system includes a vapor and air barrier to minimize random air-infiltration, and a natural gas-fired microturbine and cooling system contributes to 48 percent lower peak electric demand.

"The Albanese Organization is truly the leader of sustainable residential development in New York City and in the country, and the company is a shining example to other developers on the importance and impact of building green," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED is the USGBC's leading system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, high-performing buildings. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return and was established for market leaders to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources while also making good economic sense.

The Verdesian team includes developers The Albanese Organization and co-venture partner Northwestern Mutual, design architect Pelli Clark Pelli, project architect SLCE Architects, interior designer Tim Button of Stedila Design, mechanical engineering firm Flack and Kurtz, structural engineering firm DeSimone, energy and LEED consultant the Veridian Corporation, and construction manager Turner Construction.

In addition to The Verdesian, The Albanese Organization pioneered green residential development in 2003 with the completion of the first green residential building in North America, The Solaire, which received Gold LEED rating from USGBC. The developer is currently constructing its greenest residential project to date, The Visionaire, a luxury condominium also designed and constructed to qualify for Platinum LEED certification. The innovative projects, all located in Battery Park City, have helped create a market for green residential buildings throughout the country.

"With the support and guidance of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Battery Park City Authority is committed to preserving the natural environment while we move toward the final build out of this waterfront community. The Verdesian has now set the precedent for other residential buildings in Battery Park City, New York and the country. Its unique design and environmental innovation proves that The Albanese Organization is a true leader in the sustainable construction industry. I congratulate them," said James F. Gill, chairman of Battery Park City Authority.


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About The Albanese Organization
The Albanese Organization is a full-service real estate firm known as a pioneer in green residential development. For nearly 60 years, the company has been dedicated to creating residential and commercial buildings of distinction, quality and architectural merit that optimize value and quality of life, introduce innovative concepts, are environmentally responsible and enhance the communities in which they are located. For more information, visit www.albaneseorg.com.

About USGBC
The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit membership organization whose vision is a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations. Since USGBC's founding in 1993, the council has grown to more than 13,000 member companies and organizations, a comprehensive family of LEED® green building rating systems, an expansive educational offering, the industry's popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo (www.greenbuildexpo.org), and a network of 72 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

About LEED®
The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System" is a feature-oriented rating system that awards buildings points for satisfying specified green building criteria. The six major environmental categories of review include: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design. Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels of LEED green building certification are awarded based on the total number of points earned within each LEED category. LEED can be applied to all building types including new construction, commercial interiors, core and shell developments, existing buildings, homes, neighborhood developments, schools and retail facilities. LEED for Healthcare is currently under development and is expected to be released in early 2008. Incentives for LEED are available at the state and local level, and LEED has also been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, state and local governments, and interested private companies. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org/LEED.