The Visionaire, fifth in a series of green residential buildings, serviced by the company’s Applied Water Management Group.

Additionally, a stormwater collection system will capture and store up to 12,000 gallons to irrigate the building’s rooftop gardens.

These water-saving standards along with energy and water efficient appliances enables The Visionaire to use 55% less potable water than a residential development of similar size. The building has been designed to attain Platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Along with water conservation, The Visionaire provides better air quality, energy efficiency and uses eco-friendly materials.

Sustainable residential buildings like The Visionaire are not just attractive for the environmentally conscious, said Don Corell, president and chief executive officer of American Water. Saving water makes economical sense and helps address our nation’s critical water supply challenges.

American Water’s Applied Water Management Group started designing and operating wastewater recycling systems for residential developments in 2000 with The Solaire, the nation’s first sustainable residential high-rise. Since then, American Water has executed similar systems at Millennium Towers, Tribeca Green, River House and The Visionaire – all green highrises in Battery Park City – to ensure the buildings meet New York’s strict direct reuse standards.

The Visionaire was build up by the Albanese Organization and designed by world-class architect Rafael Pelli, both of which previously worked on The Solaire and are recognized for environmentally conscious construction.

All parties involved share a commitment to achieving sustainable design and operations, said Michael Gubbins, vice president and director of residential management for The Albanese Organization. This commonality was an important factor in selecting American Water to guide the development’s water recycling projects.

Construction on The Visionaire started in January 2007, and the building has been set for occupancy since late 2008. American Water’s Applied Water Management Group is now working on the commissioning phase of the project in expectation of starting full scale operations in the near future.