NYC’s Javits Center is home to the largest green roof in New York State and is continually at the forefront of sustainability initiatives in the events industry. The roof, which is 6.75 acres large, has been a key element of the venue’s sustainability efforts over the past several years, which have included the addition of a rooftop event space and working farm as part of its recent $1.5 billion expansion project that was completed last year.
The roof has served as a wildlife sanctuary on Manhattan’s West Side since it was built as part of an earlier renovation that took place between 2009 and 2014, which ended up reducing the venue’s energy consumption by 26 percent.
The green roof includes over 6,000 bird-safe panels that have decreased bird collisions by 90 percent, as well as over 100 energy-efficient HVAC units. In addition, it can absorb up to seven million gallons of storm water run-off every year and also reduces heat gain throughout the building.
Since 2014, there have been a total of 37 bird species observed on the roof, including two new species, Killdeer and Ovenbird, which were identified this spring. Members NYC Aubudon, a community that works to protect birds and habitat in New York City, have been studying the environmental impact of the roof since it was built and have traced bird movements as far as Canada and Florida.
The Javits Center has implemented numerous sustainable upgrades and enhancements over the past decade and continues to set a remarkable example for other venues when it comes to conserving the local environment without sacrificing the guest experience.
“Our green roof is living proof of the power of sustainability,” said Alan Steel, CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center, in a statement. “Thanks to our ongoing partnership with NYC Audubon, we have been able to understand how simple, smart changes to our infrastructure can have a positive impact on the urban environment, and these new bird species certainly exemplify that impact.”
NYC Audubon Executive Director Jessica Wilson added: “The transformation of the Javits Center into a wildlife haven is an extraordinary achievement, and these new bird species demonstrate its transformation is far from over. The Javits Center serves as the finest example for how building managers can revamp their structures to provide high-quality habitat and safe passage for our migratory birds, which face threats of collisions from glass buildings and a lack of greenspace throughout our City.”