Move over, Ritz!

New York City visitors will find the Big Apple a little greener come 2010, when the city’s first five-star eco-friendly hotel is scheduled to open its doors. The “1” Hotel and Residences is part of a proposed 31-story mixed-use green facility on 40th Street in Manhattan, across from Bryant Park.

The building, which will also house condominiums and restaurants, will be built to the standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council. The tower will feature many standard energy-saving components, such as Energy Star appliances and light sensors.

Other features include the use of recycled and locally purchased products, as well as materials that result in cleaner air quality, water conservation and reduced greenhouse-gas emissions. Other similar luxury projects by the Starwood Capital Group are being planned in several major cities such as Seattle and Paris, and as close to us as Mammoth Lakes.