As the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks takes place this week, development on the new World Trade Center site continues to move forward, with rebuilding processes in perpetual motion. One World Trade Center, along with Towers 2, 3, and 4, are all being developed with the goal of achieving LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The inclusion of sustainable features in the design of these buildings will not only ensure energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact but will also serve as an example of American ingenuity and progress toward the future. Planned features for the buildings include:

• Outside views from more than 90 percent of occupied spaces (Environmental Quality Credit 8.2 – Daylight & View)
• High-efficiency plumbing that will reduce water use by a minimum of 30 percent (Water Efficiency LEED Credit 3.2 – Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction)
• Low VOC paints (Materials & Resources LEED Credit 4.2 – Low Emitting Materials, Paints & Coatings)
• Rainwater harvesting systems (Can be applied to numerous credits under the Water Efficiency credit category)
• Preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles (Sustainable Sites LEED Credit 4.3 – Alternative Transportation, Low Emitting & Fuel Efficient Vehicles)
• The use of sustainably harvested wood (Materials & Resources LEED Credit 7 – Certified Wood)
• Facilities for employees that choose to bike to work (Sustainable Sites Credit 4.2 – Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms)*
• Renewable energy power sources (Several LEED credits under the Energy & Atmosphere credit category)*

*Applicable only to One World Trade Center

Once these buildings are completed, New York City will once again become a city that embraces progress and innovation, while simultaneously serving as a beacon of inspiration in the United States and the world. For more information about the rebuilding effort, visit the official World Trade Center website, which provides up-to-date images, videos, and news.