The new(ish) New York Times building isn't just pretty to look at (and fun to climb), it's also exceeding expectations when it comes to energy efficiency. Designed by Renzo Piano in association with FXFOWLE Architects, the 52-story, 1.6-million-square-foot tower won't leave the light on for you—or anyone else for that matter. Lighting for the entire building is controlled by a cutting-edge light management system (Lutron Electronics' Quantum), and it has achieved a whopping 70% energy savings compared to the building's already ambitious benchmark for energy efficiency.

"We designed our building to use 1.28 Watts per square foot of lighting power. With Quantum, it's using only 0.38," said Glenn Hughes, director of construction for The New York Times Company during the design, installation, and commissioning of the building, in a press release issued by Lutron. "The energy usage savings is stunning." The system works by setting the appropriate target light level for each space, automatically dimming electric lights when enough daylight is present, and turning lights off when space is vacant. It's estimated that the savings in lighting energy usage will mean an annual savings of about $315,000 for the Times Company—a sum equivalent to the price of 78,750 copies of the Sunday paper. Click "continued..." for a look inside the building, although be warned that the photos will make your office jealous.

Photos: Nic Lehoux