NYMEX gets green makeover.

The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. announced that it is the first existing building to be "green certified" in both the City and State of New York.

NYMEX recently received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

LEED provides building owners and operators with the tools to have an immediate and measurable impact on their building's performance. While many new buildings are being designed to meet the green standards, NYMEX was the first to retrofit an existing building.

Some of the measures NYMEX instituted include: improving recycling and waste reductions practices, including composting of all organic kitchen waste; purchasing renewable energy credits for 100% wind power at its facility; installing new carbon dioxide and humidity sensors around the building, allowing NYMEX to control the outside air ventilation system based on occupancy and space demand instead of constant volume.

The Exchange also increased purchases of recycled and environmentally responsible products, including bulk copy and print paper, bathroom paper products, "green" cleaning products, low mercury lighting products; enhancing the building's exhaust system; expanding access to bike racks and shower facilities for those who ride their bikes to work; and retrofitting bathroom water, soap and hand towel dispensers to minimize waste.

NYMEX chairman Richard Schaeffer said, "NYMEX is proud to be the first existing building in New York to be 'green certified'. As the world's leading energy exchange, we are firm believers in renewable energy and conservation. We hope other companies will consider going green as it is a winwin situation. After an initial investment, there is a cost savings to the company while helping to sustain the environment."

"We are thrilled to celebrate another first here in Battery Park City," said James E Gill, chairman of the Battery Park City Authority. "I congratulate NYMEX on becoming the first building in New York State to be certified by the United States Green Building Council as a LEED-EB. This certification furthers Battery Park City's reputation of being the "greenest" neighborhood in the world."

"Retrofitting an existing building to be "green" is a big step for any owner," said James Cavanaugh, president and CEO of the Battery Park City Authority. "It involves added cost, redesign and a strong commitment to the overall community. With this certification, the NYMEX board has demonstrated that they are good neighbors--not only to the Battery Park City community--but to the world."

"I would like to commend the New York Mercantile Exchange for making this smart but difficult transition and becoming the first existing building in New York to receive LEED certification," said Governor Eliot Spitzer.

"I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Battery Park City Authority for their continued and invaluable efforts to establish an urban blueprint for sustainable development for all to follow. Battery Park City and NYMEX are setting an environmental standard that should be modeled throughout New York State."