The Green Roof
Our 6.75-acre green roof, one of the largest in the United States, is a wildlife haven for dozens of local and migratory bird species, several bat species and thousands of insects. We engage in ongoing biodiversity research with NYC Bird Alliance to study the many species utilizing our green roof for food and forage. Research published by Drexel University and Cooper Union demonstrated that, over the course of a year, the green roof mitigates nearly 7 million gallons of stormwater runoff annually. The green roof also serves to help control the temperature of the building and reduces urban heat island effect in the area by about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Steel Farm
Our one-acre rooftop farm, Steel Farm, is managed by Brooklyn Grange and grows more than 50 different types of crops each season. The produce provides a unique farm-to-table experiences for events at Javits Center with the help of our catering staff at Cultivated. Two underground cisterns capture and treat hundreds of thousands gallons of rainwater to irrigate the plants on the rooftop, reducing the need for potable water.
Bird-Friendly Glass
The installation of bird-friendly glass in 2014 has decreased deaths associated with bird collisions by more than 90%. NYC Bird Alliance was able to use Javits Center as a success story while they pushed for legislation related to Local Law 15, which requires the use of bird-friendly glass in new constructions.
Bees
There are nine honeybee hives on the green roof. Our beekeepers focus on honeybee health and wellness through regular maintenance, swarm prevention and pest and disease management. Each year, after we leave enough honey for our bees, we harvest approximately 250 pounds of honey to use in event catering and honey jars for select giveaways.
Food Forest & Orchard
Guests at our Terrace & Pavilion get immersed in our sustainability initiatives with the Food Forest and Orchard. Featuring 32 apple trees and 6 pear trees, the Food Forest and Orchard, along with the pollinator meadow and shade garden, provides crucial habitat for migratory birds while elevating the stunning event space.
Truck Marshaling Building
The four-story truck marshaling building can park up to 200 tractor trailers at a time reducing the need for trucks to idle outside the building or leave and come back during the events. The truck marshaling building allows us to cut down on travel related emissions associated with events, improves local air quality and reduces traffic on nearby streets. The building also provides additional space for waste management operations, including balers, compactors and storage for JavitsCares donations.
Solar Panels
More than 2,000 solar panels on 32 canopy-style arrays are housed on the green roof. The 906.3 KW of solar PV combined with 3.5 MW of battery energy storage system can provide approximately 10% of our energy consumption from a renewable source. These are just a few examples of how the Javits Center is leading from the front to help meet the targets outlined by New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
