Sustainability in the Sky: How SUMMIT Is New York City’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination

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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt recognizes that sustainability is crucial in every industry — and especially in tourism. It’s the responsibility of this unique sector to respect and benefit the local environment and its inhabitants. That’s why SUMMIT strives to be one of New York City’s top sustainable tourism destinations.

These are travel options that prioritize the conservation of natural resources, the protection of cultural heritage, and the equitable economic development of local communities. The goal of sustainable tourism practices are to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed fairly and that the negative impacts of tourism, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, are minimized.

Why Is Sustainable Tourism Important?

Sustainable tourism destinations are an integral part of local economies and communities. By consciously integrating themselves into their environments, they mitigate the effects of mass tourism, which can have significant environmental and social consequences.

For example, large numbers of tourists can put a strain on local resources. Water, arguably the most important resource of any location, is especially overtaxed by tourists, who often expect access to swimming pools, spa-like bathrooms, and other water-based luxuries. Similarly, many tourist activities are energy-intensive and draw excessively from local power grids and fuel stores, producing substantial amounts of health- and planet-harming air pollution in the process.

This is part of why sustainable architecture in NYC has become more and more desirable and actualized. It gives tourists and locals alike the ability to live in harmony with the local ecosystem, not in opposition to it. By supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, travelers help ensure that local communities benefit from tourism in a fair and equitable way. Because tourism is also a significant driver of economic growth in many parts of the world, sustainable tourism can create employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and support small businesses.

That’s why it’s so important to seek out sustainable tourism destinations like SUMMIT!

What Makes SUMMIT One of NYC's Most Sustainable Attractions?

SUMMIT is located at the top of One Vanderbilt, New York City’s fourth-tallest building and one of the most sustainable skyscraper designs in the world. One Vanderbilt’s rainwater harvesting system, temperature-regulating, sustainably designed facade, and state-of-the-art HVAC and building management systems all reduce the number of city resources it consumes, benefiting New Yorkers everywhere.

Because One Vanderbilt is so close to several subways, commuter rail stations, and buses, as well as walking and bicycle paths, it allows you to save pollution-causing fuel and avoid contributing to local traffic.

When it comes to NYC sustainability, SUMMIT has a great track record. It holds a LEED Gold certification, which is a widely recognized standard for sustainable building design and construction. Its terrace also contains one of the world’s highest urban alpine meadows, a green space at a mountain-like altitude on the SUMMIT terrace. This helps offset the urban heat island effect, a climate phenomenon that makes cityscapes hotter and more harmful to the atmosphere.

A healthy and sustainably built environment has always been the goal of SUMMIT. From the very start, the founders envisioned a sustainable building that would achieve one of the lowest carbon footprints in New York City. SUMMIT has held itself to the highest standards because that’s what the city and the planet deserve. If you’re an eco-conscious tourist, SUMMIT is a must-visit responsible attraction. Come and see for yourself how One Vanderbilt has revolutionized sustainable architecture — and support the sustainable tourism movement in the process!