A new report, signed by the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Green Council, shows that the real estate industry believes reducing energy use in buildings is key to the city's future.
According to crainsnewyork.com, the paper, called “The Green Buildings Roadmap,” calls for the next administration to lay out a detailed long-term plan to reduce energy use in all new and existing buildings and to require disclosure of that information when properties are sold. While the de Blasio administration's carbon-reduction plan has made strides in monitoring the energy use of office towers and multifamily buildings, the four groups want to see similar efforts for small buildings, which make up a significant chunk of the city's landscape.
The paper also recommends property managers and building operators have energy efficiency training. The report also suggests the streamlining of red tape that when it comes to smart energy projects and initiatives.
“The Green Buildings Roadmap” recommends city officials in New York:
New York has been at the forefront when it comes to smart energy policies. In April, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that energy efficient policies at state agencies have saved taxpayers $19.6 million in the first five years of his administration. In addition, the state has introduced smart energy purchasing specifications during Cuomo’s term in office.
Also in April, construction began on a pioneering solar-energy-plus-storage microgrid at Marcus Garvey Village, a mixed-income rental apartment complex in Brooklyn, New York. The project, which will be implemented by Demand Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enel Green Power North America, is set to achieve several significant milestones for New York City’s power grid.
