Saving Energy: New York City’s Leading Innovations

New York City modified its 100-year old zoning law this month in order to promote energy efficiency and the installation of solar and other renewable power technology. Called Zone Green, it is recognized as the nation’s boldest green building plan. The rule changes will make it easier for property owners to retrofit buildings and use renewable sources of energy.  Russell Unger, Executive Director of the Urban Green Council, guided a process to green the City’s building codes, and identified some of the zoning changes passed by the City Council. Buildings account for almost three-fourths of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, and have been the target of a number of other efforts to scale up energy efficiency efforts. 

 

Even though energy efficiency retrofits save money for any property owner, there are several important obstacles that stand in the way. One is financing.  Another innovation that New York City has developed to complement its green codes is the new NYC Energy Efficiency Corporation, headed by Susan Leeds.  This independent, nonprofit financial corporation was established to create financing products to drive energy efficiency and clean heat investment in all building types in the five boroughs. Come hear Adam Freed (Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning), Russell Unger, and Susan Leeds describe the City’s innovative approaches to energy efficiency. The panel will be moderated by Katie Donnelly, Program Officer for the Environment at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

 

 

 

A Philanthropy New York Members Briefing sponsored by The New York Community Trust, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

 

 

All interested funders.