New York’s Javits Convention Center Livestreams Wildlife on Its Green Roof

July 22, 2016

If anyone needs a little glimpse of nature in the middle of a concrete jungle, just log onto the new live video web stream from the Javits Convention Center of New York’s green roof, the second largest of its kind in the United States.

The live stream, which displays a rooftop view of Manhattan’s rapidly developing West Side, will be available 24 hours a day and provide users with a unique perspective of the 6.75-acre green roof.

Since its installation in 2014, the green roof has become a sanctuary for area wildlife, serving as a home for 17 bird species, five bat species and 300,000 honeybees.

The green roof was constructed as a part of the Javits Center’s recent renovation, which included major upgrades to its façade, flooring, and mechanical and technology systems.

The Javits Center has partnered with the New York City Audubon and other research institutions to study the impact of the green roof and other sustainability efforts.

The live green roof cam can be found here.

“This live roof cam provides a window to avian wildlife on top of New York’s largest convention center,” said Alan Steel of New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center. “

He added, “Viewers will be able to see birds foraging, bats flying and even bees buzzing, as well as the ever-changing skyscape on Manhattan’s West Side. As a part of our recent renovation, we have focused on improving the community’s quality of life and increasing the sustainability of this building, and this roof cam clearly demonstrates the impact of our great work so far."

As a part of the Javits Center’s renovation, more than 6,000 translucent, fritted glass panels were installed along its façade and skylights.

This specially designed, bird-friendly glass is designed to prevent bird collisions, and as a result, bird collisions have decreased by 90 percent since installation was completed, creating a healthier environment for those who live and work in and around the Javits Center. 

The green roof also is equipped to collect as much as 6.8 million gallons of water a year, reducing storm water runoff.

Other sustainable upgrades included new energy-efficient mechanical units and lighting. With all of its upgrades, the building’s energy consumption has been reduced by 26 percent, translating into millions of dollars in savings each year. 

The renovation project has received from awards from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Building Owners and Managers Association and the New York City Audubon.

In January 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a $1 billion expansion project for the Javits Center, which will include five times more meeting space, the largest ballroom in the Northeast and an on-site marshaling facility that will relocate 20,000 trucks off local streets each year.

This expansion will enable the Javits Center to host more dynamic events, improve its operational efficiency and generate nearly $400 million in additional annual economic activity. Construction is set to begin later this year.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact