PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LRY), the real estate investment trust that owns and manages 77 million square feet of office and industrial properties in the U.S. and U.K., today announced that Comcast Center in Philadelphia has earned LEED(R) CS (Core & Shell) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "LEED CS Gold certification for Comcast Center means that the tallest LEED certified building in the nation is located here in Philadelphia. More importantly, it represents a model for how efficient, invigorating and environmentally sustainable workplaces can and should be integrated into our city and region," said John Gattuso, senior vice president and regional director, Liberty Property Trust. "We are extremely pleased that each of the sustainable initiatives undertaken by our team, which included Robert A.M. Stern Architects and environmental consultant Atelier Ten, was successful. This commitment will positively impact tenants, commuters and the citizens of our city and region for decades to come." Comcast Center rises 58 floors above Philadelphia. The 975' glass encased tower features 1.25 million square feet of Class A office, restaurant and retail space. Cutting edge sustainable design can be found in nearly every aspect of the building. It uses 40% less water than a typical office building, with fixtures that save more than three million gallons of drinking water annually, of which, waterless urinals in all restrooms save 1.2 million gallons. Shading on the plaza reduces the heat-island effect caused by pavement by 70%. The low-E coating on the curtainwall glass blocks 60% of heat while allowing in 70% of the sun’s visible light, reducing energy used for air conditioning while utilizing natural light to its fullest.
