The New York Climate Exchange by SOM

New York Climate Exchange

The New York Climate Exchange will be a first-of-its kind international center for developing and deploying dynamic solutions to our global climate crisis, while also acting as a regional hub for the rapidly evolving green economy.

As the lead architect on Stony Brook’s team, SOM has spent several months developing designs for a new kind of campus: one that not only sets the stage for our post-carbon world, but also centers a compelling new public realm for all New Yorkers.

The design and operations of The Exchange are conceived by SOM in collaboration with Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, Buro Happold, and Langan Engineering.

A model for sustainability, deploying energy-positive design strategies including mass-timber construction, on-site solar power generation, and integration of existing buildings to achieve a net-zero energy campus.

Complementing the natural landscape of Governors Island and the urban landscape of New York City, the design weaves new architecture into the island’s beloved park to create a living laboratory for research, education, and public enjoyment.

The Exchange will showcase resiliency and sustainability, as the first buildings in New York City to meet Living Building Challenge standards and be one of the first sites in the country to achieve True Zero Waste certification.

The objective is meet 100% of its non-potable water demand with rainwater and treated wastewater, and run entirely on electricity generated on-site—even creating enough energy to serve the city’s power grid.

In addition to convening the world’s leaders and climate experts, The Exchange will host green job training and skills-building programs for local residents to help them launch successful careers.

As well as partner with local institutions like the Pratt Institute, Pace University, New York University, the City University of New York, SUNY Maritime College, Brookhaven National Labs and IBM on addressing the social and practical challenges created by climate change.

Including research that becomes commercially viable and ideas that lead to immediate action on the local and global levels. Source by SOM.

  • Location: New York City, USA
  • Architect: Skidmore Owings, & Merrill (SOM)
  • Landscape Architecture: Matthew Nielsen Landscape Architects
  • Civil / Marine Engineering: Langan Engineering
  • Sustainable Infrastructure, MEP: Buro Happold
  • Cost Estimating: AECOM
  • Year: 2023
  • Images: Courtesy of SOM