9. One World Trade Center is one of the city’s most sustainable buildings

One World Trade Center was designed with sustainability at the forefront. Much of the building’s structure and interior were constructed using recycled materials, including gypsum boards and ceiling tiles. About 80% of the tower’s waste products are recycled, and it has a recycling system in place for its cooling systems. The building is heated by steam, like all new facilities at the World Trade Center complex.

The building uses PureCell phosphoric acid fuel cells to generate 4.8 megawatts of power. The tower utilizes off-site hydroelectric and wind power as well, greatly reducing energy costs and environmental damage. Windows were made of ultra-clear glass allowing maximum sunlight to pass through, and lights are equipped with dimmers that reduce power on sunny days. For its sustainable design, One World Trade Center received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification.