The Capital Master Plan, a 1996 proposal to completely renovate the international organization's Manhattan home, is surging forward after nearly a decade-long stalemate. The $1.9 billion budget to improve the security, IT infrastructure, and energy-use shortcomings was finally approved at the end of last month, as five architectural companies will combine with the Swedish construction company Skanska and collaborate on the estimated $1 billion construction.

Scheduled for completion in April 2014, the new design will look to reduce energy costs by 30 percent, as opposed to the energy bill of just over $15 million that the U.N produced in 2006. Proposed improvements include energy-efficient light fixtures, room sensors for lighting and solar energy systems. The U.N. building will also feature a more open-faced design to allow natural light to work it's way through the 39-story building.

The design goals include aiming for LEED silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, a green building rating system that determines the level of sustainability and energy efficiency in various areas of a buildings function and design.