It may be one of the most iconic structures in the world, but have you ever thought about how energy efficient the Empire State Building might be?
Probably not – but a recent drive to make the star of the New York City skyline more eco-friendly seems to have paid off.
Work began back in 2009 to make a number of improvements, which included changing 6,500 windows and upgrading cooling systems.
Not only this, but the building now has the ability to adjust temperatures on a floor by floor basis and switch lights off in areas where they are not in use.
Sadly, solar power has not yet played a role – but who knows what the future may hold!
All these efforts so far have meant the Empire State Building has reduced its energy consumption by 20 per cent – and the renovations are not yet complete.
Estimates suggest further changes could make the building 40 per cent more efficient, which would be quite an achievement for a structure of its size.
If the second-tallest building in Manhattan can manage it, then there's no reason homeowners can't do the same.
Posted by Mike Peacock