New York, New York.  Few icons spread the news about the Big Apple more than the Empire State Building.  Known in some architecture quarters for rudely stealing the art deco Chrysler Building’s thunder 11 months after the latter was completed, the Empire State Building still shines with wonder.  It has survived a plane crash, more modern and swanky skyscrapers, and New York’s economic ups and downs.

Now it is LEED certified, earning the Gold label.  All 6500 windows were removed and updated to be more energy efficient--and all done onsite for increased carbon emission reductions.  In another energy efficiency move, its radiators were retrofitted with reflective insulation.  According to Triple Pundit’s Tina Casey:

The energy retrofits alone cost $13 million and will reduce energy use by 38 percent, chopping a huge $4.4 million slice out of the building’s $11.4 million energy bill. Next up is the modernization of the building’s 68 elevators. They were originally installed by the Otis Elevator Company, and the firm will perform the upgrade. The new elevators will run smoother, faster, and use about 30 percent less energy.

It is always better to update an old building than start from scratch.  And for a symbol that celebrates its eightieth birthday this year, the Empire State Building, its architecture, and its history will continue to take our breath away.