Greentech Media

The Solaire sits along the Hudson River. Source: Wired New York

The Solaire, Tribeca, New York City Developed by: the Albanese Organization, Inc Architects: Cesar Pelli and Associates Architects and Schuman, Lichtenstein, Claman, Efron Architects LEED Status: Gold

The Solaire is one of the first LEED-certified multifamily residences. Its biggest innovation is an on-site wastewater-treatment facility. It is the first treatment facility to be built inside a multifamily residence and is particularly notable because these facilities are not often seen in urban settings.

In an effort to even further reduce water use, they have a stormwater collection and reuse system as well. All the residences are also furnished with low-water usage appliances.

As the name would suggest, energy is procured through on-site solar panels. A resident-usable rooftop garden helps to insulate and cool the buildings as well.