NEW YORK—Two new bird species have been identified on the nearly 7-acre green roof of the Javits Center, a unique wildlife sanctuary on Manhattan’s West Side. With the observation of the two new bird species this spring, Killdeer and Ovenbird, a total of 37 bird species have been identified on the green roof since 2014, as well as five bat species and thousands of arthropods (insects). Led by the New York Convention Center Development Corp. (NYCCDC), the construction of the 6.75-acre green roof—the largest of its kind in New York State—was part of a major five-year renovation of the convention center that included the installation of more than 6,000 bird-safe glass panels and more than 100 energy-efficient HVAC units. As a result of the sustainable upgrades, bird collisions dropped more than 90 percent, and the rooftop transformed into a habitat for area wildlife.
“Our green roof is living proof of the power of sustainability,” said Alan Steel, CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corp., which operates the Javits Center. “Thanks to our ongoing partnership with NYC Audubon, we have been able to understand how simple, smart changes to our infrastructure can have a positive impact on the urban environment, and these new bird species certainly exemplify that impact.”
“The transformation of the Javits Center into a wildlife haven is an extraordinary achievement, and these new bird species demonstrate its transformation is far from over,” said NYC Audubon Executive Director Jessica Wilson. “The Javits Center serves as the finest example for how building managers can revamp their structures to provide high-quality habitat and safe passage for our migratory birds, which face threats of collisions from glass buildings and a lack of greenspace throughout our city. We are honored to work closely with their sustainability employees to study one of the most remarkable rooftops in the United States.”
Since 2014, members of NYC Audubon have studied the environmental impact of the Javits Center’s green roof, including observation visits, sample collections and the banding of baby chicks with U.S. Geological Survey bands designed to track their movements throughout the country. The green roof is comprised of sedum, a low-lying rock plant that has served as a suitable habitat for birds to nest and forage. According to NYC Audubon, birds born on the Javits Center green roof have traveled as far as away as Canada and Florida, and some have returned to the roof in subsequent years. Led by Architect Bruce Fowle, founder of FXCollaborative, and then-NYCCDC President Barbara Lampen, the 2009-2014 renovation led to a 26 percent reduction in energy consumption at the Javits Center and paved the way for the recent 1.2 million square-foot expansion completed in 2021.
As part of the expansion, a one-acre rooftop working farm was constructed, and the farm is expected to generate up to 40,000 pounds of produce each year. Located more than eight stories above street level, the farm has joined the New York State Grown & Certified program, a statewide effort that identifies local producers who adhere to higher standards in terms of food safety and environmental stewardship. Farmers with Brooklyn Grange—which manages its day-to-day operations—plant a variety of crops and work closely with on-site chefs to integrate the produce into meals created for specific events. From West 34th to West 40th streets between 11th and 12th avenues, the expanded Javits Center also features a four-level truck marshaling facility that houses up to 200 tractor-trailers at any one time, reducing neighborhood congestion and pollution while improving traffic safety. The expansion has been certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council.
