New York City’s Blueprint for Efficiency

With climate change becoming a more prevalent threat to the future of our communities, many cities have stepped up to the plate by making both short and long-term sustainability and emission reduction goals.

In September 2014, New York City committed to 80×50, an initiative that targets reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050 from a 2005 baseline. This commitment was made in conjunction with the release of “One City: Built To Last”, a 10-year plan that maps out the course of action needed to reduce overall emissions. New York City has committed billions of dollars to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in energy efficiency for municipal buildings – which account for 70% of the City’s carbon emissions alone. Last year the City proposed a mandate that would set a cap on fossil fuel and whole-building energy use for existing buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet. In order for 80% reductions to be met by 2050, it is critical to assess the current energy use of existing buildings.

Through the Urban Green Council (the New York affiliate of the US Green Building Council, or USGBC), the 80×50 Buildings Partnership was created to help address the need for effective and impact policy. 80×50 Buildings Partnership is a collaboration of 45 groups who together are “tackling the complex questions bearing on this challenge, including costs, technological feasibility, health impacts, industry expertise, state policy and more” (Urban Green Council).

After eight months and 85 meetings with representatives from over 40 organizations including Edison Energy, the partnership released their Blueprint for Efficiency: a detailed plan that consists of 21 recommendations needed in order to reduce the city’s energy use 20% by 2030 in buildings over 25,000 square feet. If implemented, the plan will put New York City one third of the way to meeting their 80×50 goal.

Edison Energy’s Vice President, Saverio Grosso, served as a chairperson for the Partnership and was involved in the drafting and creation of the Blueprint. “Exceeding long-term sustainability goals and meeting cost saving targets is in Edison Energy’s DNA,” said Saverio Grosso, Vice President of Edison Energy. “That’s why we’re excited to form part of the 80×50 Buildings Partnership and hope to continue collaborating with our partners to make New York a global model for energy sustainability.”

To download the Blueprint for Efficiency, click here.

To read the press release issued by the Urban Green council, click here.