Empire State Building 'to go green' with $20m revamp

The Empire State Building is to receive a $20 million (£13.6 million) environmental makeover to bring it in line with modern eco-friendly efforts, it has been announced.

New York's tallest building, which is also a popular tourist attraction, will receive extra-insulated windows, which will be fitted with an insulating layer on site to avoid wasteful transit costs, the Guardian reports.

Energy consumption at the art deco building will also be cut by up to 40 per cent, which owners Wien & Malkin believe will reduce its carbon emissions significantly.

Rent for the office space will increase slightly to fund the changes, but those working in the building will benefit from energy updates via their computers, as well as extra insulation behind radiators and a more efficient cooling system.

The lights at the top of the building are lit periodically in various colours to acknowledge occasions such as Easter, St Patrick's Day and Valentine's Day.