They are not yet as ubiquitous as the Toyota Prius, the hybrid car popular among the ecologically minded, but "green" apartment buildings have begun popping up around Manhattan. At least six large buildings designed to meet elevated standards for energy efficiency and for the use of environmentally friendly materials have opened in the last three years, and several more are under construction or being planned.
The green designation is conferred on buildings that incorporate recycled or renewable materials and that slash energy use and water consumption with features like photovoltaic cells, internal sewage treatment systems and roofs covered in soil and vegetation. Developers say they are building green because they believe in it, but they also expect to gain a competitive edge. Developers say consumers increasingly will opt for an apartment with green features, even if it comes at a higher price.