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At the Javits Center, sustainability has become a critical focus in an effort to improve the quality of life for our employees, visitors, surrounding neighborhood and ecosystem. Ultimately, we are striving to be a model of sustainable practices for the exhibition industry, buildings across New York City and the surrounding community. We are working with several institutions to study the impact of our conservation efforts while introducing new elements that we believe will have a maximum impact on the environment. As a part of our recent expansion, we have installed a one-acre rooftop farm, as well as a rooftop orchard and greenhouse, along with a host of other sustainable upgrades. All of this builds on our efforts to transform the convention center into a wildlife sanctuary and a leader in energy conservation. For us, the journey has only just begun.
A Wildlife Habitat
Pavilion + Orchard
The Green Roof
The Farm
Jacob's Harvest
The Javits Center’s state-of-the-art, nearly 7-acre green roof can absorb up to seven million gallons of storm water run-off annually, while reducing heat gain throughout the building. As a result of all of our sustainable initiatives, the facility's annual energy consumption has been reduced by 26%.
In 2017, three honeybee hives were installed on the south part of the green roof. Because honey bees will travel two to three miles to forage, it is assumed that they are feeding from the green roof, as well as the nearby High Line and Hudson River Park.
The green roof has become a habitat for 35 bird species and five bat species, serving as a wildlife oasis in an environment dominated by concrete and steel. Even our new pixelated glass panels are bird-friendly, reducing bird collisions by 90% since installation.
The green roof is comprised of sedum, a low-lying rock plant that was grown in Syracuse, NY. In the warmer seasons, the plants are bright green. But in the fall and winter, the plants gradually change their colors to red and orange tones. Here's a close-up of the wonderful plants that make up our green roof.
We harvested our own honey for the first time in 2017, producing more than 250 ounces from the bee hives we installed on our green roof. Called Jacob’s Honey, the honey has been incorporated into a new salad dressing now available at the Taste NY Bistro Level 2.
Spanning one acre on our rooftop, the Farm provides up to 40,000 pounds of produce a year that is incorporated into the meals we serve our guests.
Kenneth Sanchez manages facility operations at the Javits Center, a 2.1 million square-foot property that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Sanchez oversees all construction projects designed to maintain and improve the building's operations, including daily engineering activities, sustainability improvements and customer-facing equipment. Before joining the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Mr. Sanchez served as Director of Engineering and Sustainability Champion, as well as an Owner Representative in Project Management for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. He also has served as Director of Operations and Facilities Management for SMG-Worldwide Entertainment & Convention Venue Management and Director of Engineering for Wyndham Worldwide. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Turabo in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and a Masters degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.
Julia Widmann is the Sustainability Operations Manager at the Javits Center, where she focuses on managing sustainable food and beverage operations and zero-waste initiatives across the six-block campus. She works closely with the Javits Center’s environmental services teams, in-house caterers and rooftop farmers to increase waste diversion rates and reduce the venue’s carbon footprint. With a solid background in sustainability policy and farming operations, Julia develops engagement and educational opportunities among employees and stakeholders while strengthening partnerships with community groups in order to facilitate donations citywide. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Through our innovative sustainability efforts, the Javits Center is poised to sustain a green environment far into the future. Most importantly, our dedication to sustainability embodies everything that the Javits Center stands for: world-class technological innovation, resourcefulness and an unrivaled commitment to excellence. View our Sustainability Reports below:
Within New York City, public transportation is always a quick and affordable way to go- and the opening of the new 7 Subway line extension across the street makes the trip even more convenient.
Arriving from out of state? We have directions and helpful tips whether you are arriving by car, train, plane, or more.
429 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
(212) 216-2000
moreinfo@javitscenter.com
