In honor of Earth Day, we’re bringing you five condominiums here in NYC that are LEED certified. But before we do, one last time for the cheap seats, a bit of education on what exactly LEED certification means:

• LEED Certification is The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, which was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC)
• There are four different levels of LEED certification (certified, silver, gold, and platinum).
• Buildings that aim for LEED certification build their properties based on the tenants of the LEED rating system – these include the use of recycled material, reducing the amount of waste leaving a job site, using sustainable building material, and utilizing low-emitting materials.
• Buildings who have followed the above guidelines can then submit an application for LEED certification.
• Applications are reviewed by The Green Building Council and if accepted, are awarded one of the above levels.

Many condominiums in New York are either currently LEED certified or aiming to be so, but as certification is expensive and building green is tough, there aren’t nearly as many green buildings as there are non-green buildings.

1) Riverhouse: The Riverhouse Condominium, located in Battery Park City, is widely considered to be one of the most luxurious buildings in New York City. Riverhouse sits on the last waterfront property in Battery Park City, and overlooks Rockefeller Park and the Hudson. Riverhouse is one of the greenest buildings in the United States; it exceeds gold LEED certification. Residents of Riverhouse enjoy such environmentally friendly bonuses as twice filtered air, filtered water, non-toxic materials, and even lower energy costs. Riverhouse is just one block west of TriBeCa, and is just steps away from the brand new Whole Foods at 101 Warren; as well as the subway and the Financial District.

2) The Harsen House: Located in the picturesque dream world of the Upper West Side, The Harsen House is a full service condominium. Harsen House was one of the first buildings in New York City to become LEED certified, and it has been forging a green path ever since. It’s within walking distance to Lincoln Square, placing it at the center of the best shopping, dining and recreation in the city. Harsen House boasts at 24-hour concierge service, as well as a fitness center and individual storage.

3) The Lucida: The Lucida is the first LEED certified building on the Upper East Side, it irrigates its landscaping with rainwater; filtered outside air is delivered continuously to each unit. Indoor materials that emit common pollutants have been avoided, and renewable materials such as bamboo, cork, and palm wood have been used in their place. The apartments boast 10-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that let the sun shine in. The Lucida has a doorman, a concierge, a large lobby with a fireplace, a La Palestrina spa with a skylit pool, a residents’ lounge with catering kitchen, a bicycle room, and a children’s playroom designed by Kidville, NY.

4) The Harrison: Located on the Upper West Side, The Harrison is a luxury condominium with classic touches. Designed by famed architect Robert A.M. Stern for Related, the stately tower features 125 residences that are distinctly reminiscent of the pre-war buildings of the past. The perfect placement of The Harrison grants residents easy access to the city’s cultural, historical and recreational standouts. The Harrison is a LEED certified building, and its warm interiors offer classic elegance with a modern twist.

5) The Laurel: Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in Lenox Hill, The Laurel is a newly built condominium boasting 129 residences ranging from studios to four-bedroom homes. The quality of materials and attention to detail is apparent in every facet of the design of The Laurel, from the Indiana limestone and glass facade to the LEED-certified construction. Residents of The Laurel enjoy a full-time concierge, 24 hour doorman, and bicycle storage; on-site parking and private storage are also available at an additional cost. The Laurel has 11,000 sf of private amenities for residents including: The Trophy Club, A bi-level fitness and triathlon training center with a 50 foot lap pool, resistance training pools and state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight training equipment, as well as The Laurel Club, A two story recreational space with an atrium lounge, a screening room, and a dining/conference room with children’s play areas.

Interested in a new and eco-friendly home? Contact CondoDomain to view units at the buildings above today, and ask us how you can get cash back when you sign!