If anyone needs a little glimpse of nature in the middle of a concrete jungle, just log onto the new live video web stream from the Javits Convention Center of New York’s green roof, the second largest of its kind in the United States.

The live stream, which displays a rooftop view of Manhattan’s rapidly developing West Side, will be available 24 hours a day and provide users with a unique perspective of the 6.75-acre green roof.

Since its installation in 2014, the green roof has become a sanctuary for area wildlife, serving as a home for 17 bird species, five bat species and 300,000 honeybees.

The green roof was constructed as a part of the Javits Center’s recent renovation, which included major upgrades to its façade, flooring, and mechanical and technology systems.

The Javits Center has partnered with the New York City Audubon and other research institutions to study the impact of the green roof and other sustainability efforts.

The live green roof cam can be found here.

“This live roof cam provides a window to avian wildlife on top of New York’s largest convention center,” said Alan Steel of New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center. “

He added, “Viewers will be able to see birds foraging, bats flying and even bees buzzing, as well as the ever-changing skyscape on Manhattan’s West Side. As a part of our recent renovation, we have focused on improving the community’s quality of life and increasing the sustainability of this building, and this roof cam clearly demonstrates the impact of our great work so far."

As a part of the Javits Center’s renovation, more than 6,000 translucent, fritted glass panels were installed along its façade and skylights.

This specially designed, bird-friendly glass is designed to prevent bird collisions, and as a result, bird collisions have decreased by 90 percent since installation was completed, creating a healthier environment for those who live and work in and around the Javits Center. 

The green roof also is equipped to collect as much as 6.8 million gallons of water a year, reducing storm water runoff.

Other sustainable upgrades included new energy-efficient mechanical units and lighting. With all of its upgrades, the building’s energy consumption has been reduced by 26 percent, translating into millions of dollars in savings each year. 

The renovation project has received from awards from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Building Owners and Managers Association and the New York City Audubon.

In January 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a $1 billion expansion project for the Javits Center, which will include five times more meeting space, the largest ballroom in the Northeast and an on-site marshaling facility that will relocate 20,000 trucks off local streets each year.

This expansion will enable the Javits Center to host more dynamic events, improve its operational efficiency and generate nearly $400 million in additional annual economic activity. Construction is set to begin later this year.