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Communications
HNP Today newsletter
September 30, 2009 |
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by Jocelyn Thomas
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NEW YORK — The environmentally-friendly aspects of the Epic apartment building, adjoining the Province’s office and St. Francis Friary on West 31st Street, were featured by the New York Daily News earlier this month. The article, titled “Going Green: A Slew of New Buildings Puts Efficiency and the Environment First,” described the varied ways that the Epic, which is partially owned by Holy Name Province, helps tenants lower their energy costs and also feel that “they are doing something to better the planet.”
The green features of the 458-apartment building include:
· Wallpaper containing recyclable materials
· Hallway lights that turn on only when a sensor detects a passerby
· Low-flow toilets
· Specially insulated walls and windows
· Energy- and water-saving clothes washers
· Use of "green" cleaning materials
· A rooftop rain retainer that irrigates the building’s landscape
The Sept. 18 Daily News story by Bill Cresenz, said, “As developers of rental buildings look to attract renters, more are going green.” It gives examples of several tenants who appreciate the fact that they can lower their carbon footprints.
The article was published just two weeks before the feast of St. Francis, the saint known for his respect for creation and the environment. The two-page feature appeared in the “Your Home” section of the Daily News.
The 63-story Epic building is owned by Durst Fetner Residential and Holy Name Province. It is located at 125 West 31st St., on the east side of the Province’s friary and office building at 129 West 31st St. In addition to residential space, it also houses the New York headquarters of the American Cancer Society as well as the ACS's Hope Lodge.
The building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, a recognized standard for measuring building sustainability.
Developers say that while it costs more to construct LEED-certified buildings, “the return is worth it,” according to the article.
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.
Editor’s Note: Other green features of the Epic are listed in an article in the Autumn 2008 issue of The Anthonian.
Related Links
2007 dedication of 31st Street Friary, from HNP Today
Friars Celebrate Opening of Hope Lodge, from April 2008 newsletter
