On World Environment Day 2007, Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon envisioned the United Nations’ New York headquarters would “eventually become a globally acclaimed model of efficient use of energy and resources.” To achieve this goal, a $2 billion retrofit program is currently in progress, bringing the headquarters into the 21st century.
A top priority is to maximize the utilization of natural light while maintaining occupants’ views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Floor plans were revised to create a full-loop corridor around the core to optimize circulation and maximize the usage of the passive zone. By automating blinds and shades, the Secretariat Building optimizes the flow of natural light and heat in accordance with interior and exterior environmental factors and occupant preferences.
The United Nations Secretariat Building now features 5,000 motorized blinds and shades across 35 floors controlled by digital network technology. Each motorized blind and shade is on a schedule based on the path of the sun, which is determined by sun sensors. Five-button digital keypads were installed, enabling office personnel to choose from five preset slat angles or close the blinds completely. When the building is unoccupied, the motorized treatments react to the time of day and sunlight levels.
In total, this retrofit is expected to save between $4 and $5 million per year while still maintaining the Secretariat Building’s iconic glass façade.
Retrofit Team
Window covering installer: City View Blinds, Brooklyn, N.Y., (718) 222-3322
Materials
Window coverings: Mariak, www.mariak.com
Sun sensors and Sonesse 30 RS485 motors on a digital network busline infrastructure: Somfy Systems, www.somfysystems.com
PHOTOS: Somfy Systems