Chairman James F. Gill of the Battery Park City Authority said the crowd was "witnessing history as the first green residential tower in the world was to break ground." While some officials noted that they were not 100% certain it was the first in the world, but were certain it was the first in the US, the words "world's first" were heard throughout the afternoon.

Gill also made particular note of not only the environmental benefits of green development, but noted that asthma sufferers and those with allergies and other health problems would benefit from a healthier building. He explained that the materials, air filtration and other features would prevent the environment-inducing illnesses from being as pronounced a problem within the building.

The Albanese Development Corp. was selected through a competitive bid process as the developer of the project. Financing is primarily coming from Northwestern Mutual. Nine developers had responded to the RFPs.

Russell Albanese spoke with GlobeSt.com back in January and at the time had predicted that ground would be broken early in the spring. At the event he noted that while the event was taking place now, the ground actually broke in April. In fact, construction workers had been asked to stop work long enough for the event to take place.

What's different about this 280-unit rental apartment building? The exterior building materials and systems will include built-in photovoltaic panels in selected window walls; reduced air infiltration and enhanced thermal performance; regional materials; and recycled, recyclable or sustainable materials.

Also, the interior building materials and systems will include chlorine-free insulation; low or no VOC materials; commissioning and air quality monitoring; a computerized building management system; recyclable, recycled and sustainable materials; occupancy sensor-controlled high energy efficient corridor and stair lighting; regional materials; master electrical shut-off with efficient lighting and "Energy Star" efficient appliances; and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Air and water quality features include a high-efficiency air filtration system and air supply, with humidification in winter months. It will also feature a four-pipe fan coil system providing year-round heating or cooling; digital thermostat quiet operation and high-efficiency air filtration; and central water filtration system.

Other features are a natural gas-fired absorption HVAC system; high-efficiency variable speed pumps, motors and fans; and a photovoltaic solar array. The ground floor level will have provisions for a future fuel cell, enhanced natural lighting and energy-efficient lighting with daylight sensors. At the basement level, there will be a water recycling plant; a storm water storage tank for site irrigation; a parking garage with efficient lighting and carbon monoxide detection; and bicycle storage.