ESD Invests $120K to Advance Sustainable Retrofit of Brooklyn Headquarters
Brooklyn, NY—475 High Performance Building Supply (475) is excited to announce the retrofit of its new headquarters at 369 Warren St, Brooklyn, made possible through a $120,000 funding investment from Empire State Development (ESD) and recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. This critical collaboration has allowed 475 to embody its sustainable building philosophy in a space that exemplifies energy efficiency and sustainable, resilient design.
The new headquarters, set to open in early 2025, represents a milestone in 475’s ongoing mission to transform the North American construction industry. The building will serve as a model for high-performance building practices, employing Passive House principles, mass timber construction, and foam-free, low-carbon materials to achieve dual Passive House certification with both Passive House Institute and Phius.
"We saw an opportunity to fully live out our values with this project," said Floris Keverling Buisman, CEO of 475. "Working closely with Empire State Development was vital in making this vision a reality."
The retrofit of the brick and concrete building includes innovative sustainability features, such as mass timber construction, airtight membranes, continuous mineral wool insulation, and high performance heat / energy recovery ventilation systems. By preserving existing structural elements and using local materials sourced in New York State, 475 has minimized the building’s carbon footprint while creating a healthy, productive environment for its employees.
While Passive House certification will ensure the highest standards of building efficiency, health, and comfort are met, the building will also include a rooftop solar array. The 8 kWh solar array is modeled to provide more energy than is necessary to occupy and operate this office, with more than 18 full-time employees housed inside.
This project is an exemplary case study in what can be achieved with support from ESD. It also marks a significant step forward for 475 High Performance Building Supply, a growing New York business, and will serve as a lasting model of sustainable, high-performance building solutions.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "When innovative companies like 475 High Performance Building Supply choose to grow in New York, it strengthens our position as a leader in the green economy. This investment will create quality jobs while advancing sustainable construction practices that are vital to our state's future. We're proud to support forward-thinking projects that combine economic growth with environmental stewardship."
NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor, and William D. Rahm said, "Supporting growing companies in the sustainable building sector is crucial for New York's economic future. This kind of investment helps create the infrastructure and expertise needed to advance green construction practices across our region. The NYCREDC is excited to see Brooklyn continuing to attract and retain innovative businesses that are shaping a more sustainable future."
About 475 High Performance Building Supply
Founded in 2011, 475 High Performance Building Supply provides essential materials, building components, and expertise to help create durable, zero-energy, Passive House buildings across North America.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
