New York, Central Park, YSG Solar
October 9, 2019

The administration of NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio has set about improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions at a number of facilities across the city of New York. A number of planned deep energy retrofits will target nine selected facilities initially, with the administration seeking to identify a further twenty-eight facilities to undergo deep energy retrofits in the future. The projects announced will be completed by 2025 and will cut the energy use of the chosen facilities by at least 50%.

 

What is a deep energy retrofit?

A deep energy retrofit is a comprehensive approach used to make buildings more energy efficient through a number of different methods. These retrofits include things like improving insulation, implementing designs which maximize daylight and ventilation, upgrading electronics, and automating heating/cooling systems. Deep energy retrofits aims to reduce energy use by 50% or more and are also capable of reducing carbon emissions by over 30%. 

 

What facilities will be retrofitted?

The nine facilities set to undergo these retrofits have been announced already. They are as follows:

 

  • DSNY Manhattan Garage 7 (57th Street)

  • NYPD Building Maintenance Section Facility

  • DCLA Brooklyn Museum

  • DHS Harlem 1 Men's Shelter

  • DHS Keener Assessment Shelter

  • DHS Bushwick Family Residence

  • DHS Stockholm Family Residence

  • DOE PS62 Bronx

  • DOE MS301 Bronx

 

These nine facilities make up the initial batch of buildings for retrofitting but, as noted above, the process of identifying other locations suitable for deep energy retrofits will also begin soon. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will conduct audits of all kinds of City buildings, such as public schools and police precincts, to find the best targets for further work. 

 

What’s the plan?

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), mentioned above, will be responsible for conducting audits of the nine chosen facilities in order to identify the areas with the most potential for improved efficiency. This will include audits of heating, cooling, lighting, and power. From these audits, the City will be able to highlight the specific measures necessary to cut energy usage and improve the efficiency of these buildings. 

 

How will this benefit New York City?

These energy retrofits are yet another step taken by the City of New York to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions across the city in the coming years. The city’s aggressive energy goals require government operations to cut emissions 40% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. In addition to the retrofitting process outlined in this article, the city will also be adopting cleaner forms of energy. For example, the installation of solar panels capable of generating 100 MW energy on city property. As the energy usage of buildings across New York City contributes massively to total NYC emissions, these retrofits will play a vital role in hitting the target of carbon neutrality by 2050



Going solar is a smart, simple way to improve your own energy efficiency—and save money at the same time. Contact YSG Solar today at 212.389.9215 to learn how much you could save.

 

By Shane Croghan

 

Sources:

https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/nyc-facilities-undergo-energy-retrofits-reduce-energy-use-emissions