Workers began installing thousands of energy-efficient glass panels at the base of 1 World Trade Center Friday.

The panels will adorn the podium wall and are designed to maximize sunlight while keeping the inside cool.

LED lights will be housed within the panels, which officials say will give the base a look that is both visually pleasing and environmentally friendly.

"What it'll do is make the building sparkle," said Steven Plate, director of World Trade Construction. "We've really challenged ourselves intellectually and from a design, engineering and construction point of view to provide a median so people come here, they really know this is probably one of the most special buildings in the world."

More than 4,000 glass panels will be used to cover the buildings base.