This is the first MTA subway station ever to be awarded LEED Certification

All eyes have been on Santiago Calatrava's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/index.php?s=oculus">WTC Oculus</a> recently, but there's another downtown transportation hub that deserves our attention and applause. Almost two years after its completion, Manhattan's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/fulton-center-leed-seeking-landmark-transit-hub-unveiled-in-lower-manhattan/">Fulton Center</a> has just been awarded LEED Silver certification. Designed by <a href="http://grimshaw-architects.com/">Grimshaw Architects</a>, the $1.4 billion subway interchange sees more than 300,000 commuters during the week, many of whom are unaware that they are passing through a shining beacon of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/green-design/">green design</a>.

The Fulton Center is the first MTA subway hub to be awarded a LEED certification.

Thanks to its many sustainable features, the project receive the honor thanks to its high performance design that embodies sustainable site development, water and energy efficiency, green materials, and indoor environmental quality.

The 1.4 billion transport hub was completed in 2014.

The station sees up to 300,000 transit riders every day.

The reflective roof is a functional artwork functional custom artwork by James Carpenter Design Associates (JCDA), Grimshaw Architects and Arup,

Thanks to it many features that maximize daylight and reducing energy usage, the Fulton Center is a beacon of sustainable design.