The new Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, New York City, is the tallest skyscraper to achieve the Platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  The 55- story office building was developed by the Durst Organization, designed by Cook + Fox Architecture Firm and built by Tishman Construction Corporation.

The building set the tone for future skyscrapers that will be built in the US.  This is also the first skyscraper to be built using largely post consumer and recyclable materials.

Natural gas fuel cells will generate on-site electricity as well as supplement the 4.6 megawatt cogeneration plant that will mitigate a lot of the base-load energy concerns for the skyscraper. A sophisticated rain water capture system is also in place, as well as windows that maximize sunlight along with smart and efficient LED lighting.

Photo: Consumer Energy Report