Buffalo, NY - One HSBC Center has once again earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the national symbol for environmental protection through superior energy efficiency. One HSBC Center, owned by Seneca One Realty LLC, was noted for consuming 25% less energy than the national average for typical buildings. This certification signifies that the building performs in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.

Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR designation use less energy, on average, than typical buildings and also release 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Seneca One Realty LLC improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically and making cost-effective improvements to the center.

"We work continually with out staff and tenants to eliminate waste while maintaining a Class A office building environment. We embrace new technologies as they become available, but also maintain our focus on effectively managing the building on a daily basis," says Steve Fitzmaurice, Chief Operating Officer, Seneca One Realty LLC. "This is the second year in a row we managed to achieve this milestone. It's proof positive of our dedication to running a responsible, cost-effective - yet Class A - operation."

"Improving the energy efficiency of out nation's buildings is critical to protecting our environment," said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. "From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA's ENERGY STAR."

To earn the ENERGY STAR designation, One HSBC Center scored 85 out of 100 on the EPA Energy Performance Rating, which is based on total source energy and was verified by a New York State Licensed Engineer.

One HSBC Center improved its efforts by taking the following actions

• Replacing pneumatic controls with digital controls, ensuring precise control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

• Installed state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting systems, including electronic ballasts throughout the building.
• Partnered with the cleaning staff and security to ensure lights are off after hours.
• Continuously analyzed energy consumption to increase the efficiencies of our mechanical and electrical systems, maximizing the effect of the building automation system.
• Introduced a rain garden to the outdoor plaza rather than replacing the existing concrete slab. The rain garden simultaneously reduces water runoff to the sewer system and, because of native, drought-resistant plants, requires little or no irrigation.

About Seneca One Realty LLC

Seneca One Realty LLC is the owner and manager of One HSBC Center, a commercial office tower located in downtown Buffalo, just steps away from the developing waterfront.  Built as an example of modernist style architecture, the prestigious 40-story tall structure dominates the downtown skyline. Striking office space provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the city, Niagara Falls, Southern Ontario, and Lake Erie. One HSBC Center's elite tenant roster includes the Canadian Consulate General, George F. Phillips, Jr., HSBC Bank, USA, N.A., Harold C. Brown & Co. LLC, Phillips Lytle LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, The John R. Oishei Foundation, The Seymour H. Knox Foundation, Inc., and UBS Financial Services. For more information on One HSBC Center, go to www.onehsbc.com.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market -based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. Last year alone, Americans, with help of ENERGY STAR, saved nearly $17 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles. For more information about ENERGY STAR visit www.energystar.gov/buildings.