Javits Center │ WSP

From delivering the mechanical, electrical and plumbing redesign that helped reduce energy use to developing the center’s path to net zero, WSP supported one of the busiest event venues in the United States advance its climate goals.

In the heart of Hudson Yards, the Javits Center is far more than a convention center. Spanning six city blocks, it hosts some of the world's largest and most complex events, from the New York International Auto Show to New York Comic Con and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

As New York's largest convention venue and one of the busiest in the United States, the center plays a major role in the city's economy, generating more than $1 billion in annual direct and indirect economic activity and tax revenue.

Location

New York, USA

Client

Javits Center

Project Status

Complete

Upgraded HVAC units

100

Energy use reduction

26%

Solar panels

2,006

Transforming a landmark venue

In 2013, the Javits Center launched a major renovation to improve performance, efficiency and visitor comfort.

WSP led the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems design, supporting the project with extensive building envelope and systems performance studies. The project targeted a significant reduction in energy consumption while pursuing LEED Silver certification.

The transformation included:

A new 240,000-square-foot glass curtain wall
The largest green roof in the northeastern United States
Upgrades to 100 rooftop air-handling units serving exhibition halls
Improved indoor air quality and occupant comfort
Reduced energy consumption and operating costs

Additional elements of our work included:

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades for show managers' offices, concourses and the Crystal Palace mezzanine
A comprehensive infrastructure assessment
Modernization of Level 1 and Level 2 meeting rooms
Utility and master planning for future site expansion
Environmental and infrastructure guidance on energy and resource use
Sustainable design strategies supporting long-term conservation goals

Transforming a landmark venue_Javits Center

Charting a path to net zero

In 2021, the Javits Center became a founding signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, committing to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

To help turn those ambitions into action, the Javits Center engaged WSP to develop a roadmap for decarbonization.

Working closely with the client team, we created the Javits Center Path to Net Zero, establishing priorities for emissions reduction, performance tracking and future planning.

We then developed the analytical foundation for implementation. Through the Carbon Action Plan phase, we delivered:

The center's first complete Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas inventory
Identification of eight material Scope 3 emissions categories
Benchmarking against peer convention centers
A dual-baseline framework to support future reporting and target setting

From green roof to climate leadership

More than a decade after its installation, the center’s green roof continues to deliver measurable environmental benefits. The rooftop habitat supports birds, bats and pollinators, absorbs up to seven million gallons of stormwater annually and contributed to a 26% reduction in energy use.

Today, the roof also hosts the largest rooftop solar installation in Manhattan, with 2,006 solar panels generating 906.3 kilowatts of renewable energy, supported by 3.5 megawatts of battery storage.

Leading by example

Our work with the Javits Center demonstrates how buildings can evolve from high-performing facilities into platforms for climate leadership.

By combining infrastructure modernization, operational performance and long-term decarbonization planning, we helped position one of North America's busiest event venues to support a lower-carbon future while continuing to serve millions of visitors each year.