Empire State Building to get new lights of 16 million shades

THE HAGUE - Agence France-Presse

AFP Photo

New York's iconic Empire State building is not only going to go greener but also more colorful as it gets a new energy-efficient lighting system that offers a palette of 16 million shades.
 
The computerised system using LEDs lights would allow the building to cut energy consumption by 73 percent, said Dutch electronics giant Philips, which has been contracted to provide the lighting.
 
"Globally recognised as an engineering marvel and symbol of New York City, the Empire State Building has selected Philips ... as its partner to transition the building's iconic tower lights to innovative LEDs," Philips said.
 
At 443 metres (1,453 feet) high, the 102-floor Empire State Building has become New York's tallest building after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks took down the World Trade Center's twin towers.

Built in 1931, the art deco-style building is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visits a year.