Living at its Greenest

The Citizen, Chelsea This spacious, architecturally stunning building on West 23rd Street meets all LEED energy efficiency qualifications, making it one of the greenest residential buildings in Manhattan. The triple-layered windows let natural light in and keep noise pollution out. Walls are specially formatted for soundproofing and have an extra layer of drywall for quiet serenity. The building boasts low-flow toilets for water efficiency and multiple secure bike storage spots. Should you need public transportation, The Citizen is located within blocks of major subway lines. The neighborhood is lively and buzzing with young families, providing playmates for your little ones and the perfect culture boost. Agent: Shelley O'Keefe, The Corcoran Group, 212-839-0124 Emerald Green, Midtown West Centrally located at 320 W. 38th St., Emerald Green offers eco-minded living with style, functionality and spectacular views from all angles. This pair of 24-story towers, encompassing a total of 568 apartments, is Glenwood's very first LEED-certified rental building. Living up to its name, Emerald Green has been designed according to ecological guidelines with features like sustainable bamboo wood flooring, VOC-free interior finishes and water-efficient plumbing. Other green features include a parking garage complete with electric car charging stations. With families in mind, Emerald Green also has a hand-painted children's playroom and a screening room with theater-style seating. The neighborhood offers a wide variety of shopping, food and fun-and boasts plenty of parks and schools. Agent: Glenwood, 212-695-3838 The Helena, Midtown West With its Gold status, The Helena on West 57th Street is the first voluntary LEED-certified residential building in the city. The building's green features include recycled materials that produce less waste output, a blackwater system and extensive solar paneling. While at least 50 percent of The Helena's purchased energy is wind-generated, it also offers glass walls to maximize sunlight and reduce electrical needs. Additionally, the spacious apartments sport amazing views and tons of room for the little ones to run and grow. The Helena comes with valet and cleaning services, a fitness room and a children's playroom. Plus, the building is pet-friendly, so Fido can make himself right at home. Agent: James Manning, Durst Fetner Residential, 212-262-6500 New York by Gehry, Financial District This much-admired building (towering at 76 stories!) is located at 8 Spruce St. and boasts a ton of amazing amenities such as a fitness center, 50-foot swimming pool and indoor secure bike storage. Eco-minded touches include the installation of Energy Star appliances and use of low-emitting paints, coatings and sealants as well as regionally manufactured and recycled materials. The New York by Gehry has truly unique views and the neighborhood is family-friendly and hip to boot. To top it off, the building is pet-friendly and boasts a tweens' den, children's playroom and screening room with Gehry-designed amphitheatre seating. Agent: Citi Habitats Marketing Group, 212-877-2220 By Elizabeth Raymond For more tips on real estate and design for families, sign up for our weekly newsletter at newyorkfamily.com.