On Earth Day, Mayor Bloomberg outlined PlaNYC, a series of 127 proposals aimed at helping New York meet the challenges of adding nearly one million people to the City's population between now and 2030, while at the same time reducing the City's greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.

Lower Manhattan has already gone green. The Solaire, located at the north end of Battery Park City built in 2003 is the nation's first "green" residential highrise.

• Green features include:
• Advanced central air-filtration system;
• In-building air quality monitoring system;
• Carbon monoxide monitoring in parking garage;
• Central water-filtration system for entire building;
• Energy conserving designed to be 35% more energy-efficient than code requires, resulting in a 67% lower electricity demand during peak hours;
• 33% more sheetrock between apartments provides extra soundproofing and fire barriers.
• Landscaped rooftop gardens add extra insulation.

Any building constructed later than the year 2000 in Battery Park City has been designed to use sustainable technology to reduce energy use and increase the health of its residents. There are more green buildings to come within the 92 acres of Battery Park City.

Sales are currently underway at The Visionaire a new luxury Green Condominium designed by Rafael Pelli on the Battery Park City waterfront.

The 35-story, 251-unit project is aiming for Platinum LEED certification. The developer built 2 green-breaking developments, The Solaire, the first high-rise residential project to be awarded LEED certification in the nation, and The Verdesian, which opened last year and is applying for Platinum LEED certification.

Photovoltaic panels in the facade harvest solar power to generate a portion of the building's electric load. The curtain wall was designed to highlight the river views. Even at the corners of each unit the view is unobstructed.

Exclusive resident-only amenities will include a skylit indoor swimming pool and hot tub; two landscaped roof gardens with private cabanas; rooftop entertainment area featuring built-in grills and wet bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa; a screening room/lounge with fireplace; a private dining area; a children's playroom and a parking garage. Anticipated Occupancy spring 2008.

Current available units for sale range from:

• 686 square foot studio for $795,000
• 819 square foot One bedroom for $890,000
• 1356 square foot Two Bedroom for $1,395,000
• 1681 square foot Three bedroom 2.5 baths for $1,850,000

Green NYC Streets: Street trees beautify NYC streets and make them green.

Plant a tree in NYC. Any property owner in NYC may request a street tree. Visit the Parks Web site to request a street tree, learn about planting one on your own, and to view a list of approved tree species. Learn more

NYC Taxi Fleet to Be Fully Hybrid by 2012

GREEN TAXIS

As part of PlaNYC, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will implement new emissions and mileage standards for yellow taxicabs that will lead to a fully hybrid fleet by 2012

The largest, cleanest fleet of taxis on the planet. The new standards will be phased in over a four-year period and will reduce the carbon emissions of New York City's taxicab and for-hire vehicle fleet by 50% during the next decade, and will also save individual operators an average of $10,000 a year in fuel costs.

Yahoo! donated 10 hybrid taxis to NYC as part of their "Be a Better Planet" campaign.

photo: courtesy Edward Reed

If you're thinking about easy ways to be green , here are some simple ideas that can actually save you money and help save the environment.

GreenHomeNYC.org suggests the following: Click greeNYC logo for more tips:

1. Recycle according to your building's guidelines.
2. Unplug "ghost appliances such as VCR or a coffee maker when you're not using them. Believe it or not, left plugged, these appliances take up energy. You'll actually save on your electric bill. And when buying appliances, look for the "Energy Star" label.
3. Most notably, Con Ed offers green power to find out more, go to: www.conedsolutions.com/Residential/greenPowerMain.htm They are offering a $25 rebate to sign up with this eco-friendly alternative.
4. And finally, take mass transit whenever possible.

For the ultra "green" enthusiastic, http://www.greenapplemap.org/ has a downloadable map with information about organic dining, where to buy recycled or organic items such as linens and transportation choices around New York. For instance, it mentions OZOcar which calls itself NYC's 1st eco-friendly car service with hybrid cars. (877-OZO-5966) or OZOcar.com ...when mass transit isn't possible.

For home renovations, go to http://www.environmentalhomecenter.com/, where you can purchase green building materials such as paint, countertops, flooring, cleaning supplies, etc. The http://www.thegreenguide.com/ has useful, practical everyday living information.

Check out the High Efficency Toilet (HET) from TOTO currently being installed in some new Manhattan developments. Visit TOTO Soho Gallery at 25 Mercer street for the newest flushing technology.

If you're thinking about living in a new "green" luxury condo recently built or currently under construction go to my new developments page fill out the buyer form and write "green" in the comment section. I will send you email listings of "green" condos that match your buying criteria.

©Mitchell Hall 2007