HSBC

HSBC

Giving Thanks for Green Building

Thu

Nov

It’s somtimes too easy to lose sight of the positive, particularly when news – as it has been around here lately – is so consistently negative. There are still good things happening both in our industry and here in New York City, though, and so on this Thanksgiving I’d like to point out a number of recent green building news items of note that I think we ought to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Silverstein May Swap In German Bank West LB for HSBC at 7 World Trade Center

Tue

Oct

by Stephen Del Percio

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Although the credit crisis has definitely taken its toll on local green building projects in a variety of ways, the Post 's Steve Cuozzo reported today that Larry Silverstein may be close to landing a tenant who will at least partially replace the space that HSBC was slated to occupy at LEED Gold-certified 7 World Trade Center . HSBC's potential move to five floors at the green tower was heralded, but a deal to sell its Midtown headquarters at 452 Fifth Avenue (at West 40th Street) fell apart several weeks ago after bidders came up $180 million short of the bank's $600 million asking price. Accordingly, HSBC very quietly pulled out of its agreement to move downtown to Manhattan's first LEED-certified commercial office building. Now, the German bank West LB is "in 'real' discussions" with Mr. Silverstein for space across three floors, according to Cuozzo, and although the sides have yet to agree upon a term sheet, documents have been traded back and forth.

HSBC Close to Joining Silverstein at LEED Gold 7 World Trade Center

Wed

Jul

by Stephen Del Percio

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Last June, HSBC announced a five-year, $100 million partnership to address global climate change, agreeing to work with The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund in order to quantify the impact of climate change on the world’s cities, forests, and rivers through extensive field research. Yesterday, sources told GlobeSt.com that the bank is close to continuing its sustainable efforts by leasing 300,000 square feet across seven of the final ten floors available at Larry Silverstein's LEED Gold 7 World Trade Center. Should the deal close, HSBC would likely sell its 500,000-square-foot headquarters tower at 452 Fifth Avenue in Midtown. Asking rents for the final ten floors at 7 WTC are hovering between $75 and $85 per square foot, and HSBC's deal is rumored to be "at term sheet at the moment."

10,000 Sq. Ft. Green Roof Approved for Village's P.S. 41

Thu

Nov

by Stephen Del Percio

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Public School 41 received approval last Thursday from the School Construction Authority ("SCA") for a 10,000-square-foot green roof. The school, located at 116 West 11th Street in Greenwich Village, will begin installing the roof next summer. P.S. 41 has retained the Jonathan Rose Companies to supervise the project, which is known as Gell- the Greenroof Environmental Literacy Laboratory. Gell will provide P.S. 41’s K-5 student body with an interactive learning center; each grade will engage in a different curriculum focused generally around educating students as to how they can improve their local urban environment.

HSBC Announces $100M Partnership to Measure, Address Global Climate Change

Fri

Jun

by Stephen Del Percio

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At a breakfast press conference on Wednesday morning at its North American headquarters in Midtown, HSBC announced a five-year, $100 million partnership to address global climate change. The world’s third-largest bank will work with The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund in order to quantify the impact of climate change on the world’s cities, forests, and rivers through extensive field research. The bank will also educate its 300,000 employees on sustainable principles, designating approximately 3,000 as “climate champions” who will disseminate knowledge and acquired field experience to their local communities. The donation by HSBC is the largest ever by a British company.