Talk details Empire State make-over

All 6514 windows of the Empire State Building have been retrofitted. Photo / Bloomberg

An executive of the Empire State Building's owner will be in Auckland tomorrow to talk about the New York tower's US$120 million ($163 million) eco-friendly makeover.

Anthony Malkin of the wealthy four-generation Malkin Holdings will tell the country's main annual eco-building conference about expensive improvements to the tower's carbon footprint, energy efficiency and indoor environment.

Malkin is giving the keynote address at the Green Property Summit at the Pullman Auckland Hotel where property managers, agents, landlords, architects, surveyors and valuers will meet. They will hear about environmental real estate issues and how standards in commercial, retail and industrial buildings can be improved.

Malkin will describe changes to Manhattan's signature office building which draws 3.8 million visitors annually. Bill Clinton, a former United States President, praised the initiatives which were carried out under the Clinton Climate Change Initiative.

All 6514 windows in the skyscraper were retrofitted. Lighting, cold water and ventilation systems were upgraded, a move which included replacing outside air dampers so that they are now controlled by CO2 sensors reducing cooling and heating but providing fresh air inside. Under every window, radiators were padded with reflective insulation, reducing operating costs. The tower's electric chiller plant was completely rebuilt.

Alex Cutler, chief executive of the NZ Green Building Council, will open the conference, followed by Jane Henley, former NZGBC chief executive and now World Green Building Council chief executive, who will talk about global challenges and achievements.

NZGBC has more than 400 member companies, five Green Star NZ rating tools and 33 certified projects.

The Australian perspective will be presented by Peter Verwer of the Property Council Australia and Shane Esmore of Umow Lai. He will talk about Melbourne's Pixel Building.

Tim Pope of Brookfield Multiplex, closely involved in the development of 80 Queen St, will talk about the business case for green buildings. Other speakers will talk about opportunities for change, green building precincts, occupancy and sustainable urban development.

Andrea Deuchrass of the Property Council said last Wednesday that 200 registrations were received.

"But we usually get a last-minute rush for these things.

"We are looking forward to hearing Anthony Malkin. We have asked him to set aside half an hour after his presentation for questions," she said.

For more conference information visit www.propertynz.co.nz and www.nzgbc.org.nz