Million Member Spiritual Practice's NYC Green Building Receives Special Recognition From the State of NY

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will present a High Performance Building Plaque to the Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development at a special event in recognition of energy-efficient measures incorporated into its new center that will help cut its energy costs by $8,400 per year and reduce its carbon footprint in New York City. The building showcases innovative green design strategies that are new to both New York City and the State of New York.

The event will occur on May 6, 2010 from 6:30-9:00 P.M at the center located at 124 East 31st Street, New York City. (www.CentersForSpiritualDevelopment.org)

Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development is NYC's newest commercial green building, supported by $31,000 of incentives from NYSERDA. This funding provided for a variety of energy-saving features, including high-efficiency lighting systems, radiant floor heating, high-efficiency heat recovery system, and a demand-controlled ventilation system, among others. Margaret Leighton, Project Manager, NYSERDA will present the plaque and the check.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA said, "I commend the leadership and patrons of the Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development for placing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability at the forefront of their new building project. NYSERDA looks forward to partnering with more organizations to help them reduce their energy costs while working to achieve the ambitious energy reduction goals set by Governor David Paterson."

George Houston, Director of the New York center, said, "We are grateful to NYSERDA's commitment to enable us to incorporate some of the most sophisticated energy-saving systems in our newest Center for Spiritual Development in New York City. We look forward to continuing our relationship with NYSERDA's knowledgeable team of experts in the field of green technology."

Attending the event: Mario D'Acerbo, VP, Bank of America; Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Chairman, Himalayan Institute, Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, Jewish Communities of Southeast Asia and the Far East, Morgan Monaco, VP, and Director, Million Trees, NYC, (NYC Park Dept.); Faisal Al-Juburi, VP and Director, Million Trees. NYC (New York Restoration Project), and Chamber of Commerce president Nancy Ploeger.

The center is slated to receive LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council becoming one of a handful of buildings in New York City to have achieved this status. There are currently only nine LEED-certified New Construction Buildings in New York City. Loans for the construction of the green building were provided by Bank of America.

Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development is a nonprofit spiritual and community service organization with more than 1 million members worldwide. Since its inception in 1959, the organization has emphasized the importance of taking major action to restore and revive the earth's environment. Its world headquarters is in Japan and has regional headquarters throughout the world. It has 23 Centers for Spiritual Development in the United States and Canada.

SOURCE Centers for Spiritual Development