Four separate organizations are teaming to make energy efficiency improvements to the Empire State Building – one of the most historic and widely recognized landmarks in the United States.

The Clinton Climate Initiative, Rocky Mountain Institute, Jones Lang LaSalle and Johnson controls will together pay for newly installed insulated windows, lighting upgrades and improved HVAC — a feat that will cut the Empire State Building’s energy consumption by 38 percent and slash its energy costs by $4.4 million annually. The project will make the property eligible for “Gold” status under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Not to be overlooked, the Empire State’s energy efficiency upgrades will also prevent 105,000 metric tons of atmospheric CO2 emissions over the next 15 years. Since New York’s buildings account for 80 percent of the city’s carbon emissions — and rack up a collective energy bill of $15 billion, relatively small steps — like those being undertaken at Empire State — can combine for big impact.

You too, as a homeowner, can reap similar savings. EnergyStar estimates that similar energy efficiency upgrades to an average American home can trim a utility bill by up to 20 percent. Once you’ve reduced the amount of electricity you need, then you’re really ready to install a solar home energy system. For more solar home tips, see our handy blog post, Five Things You Should Do Before You Get Solar.