On the recordJune 22, 2010
I am proud today to join my colleagues in designating the week of June 13th as High-Performance Building Week. Green buildings present an important opportunity: we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help people lead healthier, more productive lives, and spur vital economic development through retrofitting, redevelopment and new development of high performing buildings. As I travel around the country, I have seen the importance of green buildings in communities everywhere. People are realizing that not only do green buildings decrease long term maintenance and utility costs, improve the health of their residents and workers and reduce our impact on the environment, they play an important role in spurring economic development and centering livable communities. I am particularly excited by the work of Mr. Anthony Malkin, who is taking on the bold and visionary plan of retrofitting the Empire State Building. When it was built, the Empire State Building marked the beginning of a new era in American cities. It's a testament to the pioneering American spirit that we're taking what was a 20th century engineering marvel and turning it into an example of what is revolutionary and necessary in the 21st century. By the time Mr. Malkin and his team are done, the Empire State Building tenants will use 49 percent less energy and provide a cleaner, healthier space for all who work there.
