Rockefeller Center Christmas tree going green

The big tree at Rockefeller Center in New York is getting a facelift this year with energy efficient LED lighting.

Tishman Speyer, the company that manages the landmark group of buildings, also installed 70 kilowatts of solar panels on the roof of 45 Rockefeller Plaza, which it said would generate more electricity in its first year than the tree lights will consume over the 42 days they will be illuminated.

"We have here the largest private solar roof in Manhattan, which will help conserve energy, eliminate carbon dioxide, and power the 30,000 LED lights on our iconic Christmas tree," said Jerry Speyer, chairman and CEO of Tishman Speyer.

Take a look at an earlier, non-green tree >>

But LED and solar is just the beginning for Rockefeller Center, which is also getting a new green roof on top of Radio City Music Hall, and an ice chiller plant to cool the entire complex. Both are expected to be complete in 2008.

"The tree at Rockefeller Center is one of New York City's most beloved and iconic landmarks, and with the environmental steps that Tishman Speyer has implemented this year, the 500,000 New Yorkers and tourists that visit the tree each day can dream of a 'green' Christmas," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Tishman Speyer said the new lights, on five miles of wire, will draw a fraction of the power that is traditionally required by the tree, reducing energy consumption from 3,510 kilowatt hours to 1,297 kilowatt hours per day.

The company also said that for the first time this year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was cut with a handheld saw to reduce energy use.

Tell that to the guys that had to do the cutting.

And don't worry, Tishman Speyer said it's replanting and re-greening the land where the tree came from, and that once the holiday season is over, the tree will be made into lumber to be used by Habitat for Humanity.