New York City’s $14 billion Green New Deal, recently unveiled by Mayor Bill de Blasio, includes a ban on inefficient “classic glass and steel skyscrapers.”
The controversial measure is part of a plan to reduce greenhouse emissions 30% by 2030. Also included is a mandate to building owners to retrofit their structures to make them more energy efficient.
Non-compliance with the mayor’s 2030 goals could result in fines of $1 million or more.
De Blasio said New York is the first major metro in the world to force owners to pursue energy efficiencies for existing buildings. The plan also calls for:
• Investing in construction of community parks and development of open spaces
• Creating or preserving 300,000 affordable housing units by 2026
• Advancing resilient construction projects
• Installing one million sf of heat-resistant rooftop coatings
• Updating building codes to counteract effects of sea level rise
• Mandatory organics recycling
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2021
Building-integrated solar power turns buildings into power plants
Multiple alternatives could replace or complement rack-mounted PV arrays.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2021
Ten real estate groups sign on to New York State’s high-rise decarbonization challenge
Each signee commits to carbon neutrality in one or more high-rise buildings it owns.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2021
Dozens of companies, organizations call for Congress to double Energy Star funding
Despite broad support, program’s budget has steadily declined in recent years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2021
Alabama fire chiefs oppose proposal to change school building code oversight
Bill would move code compliance control from state to local boards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 21, 2021
After dry winter, California ramps up wildfire prevention efforts
State to spend half a billion dollars on projects including making buildings more fire resistant.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2021
U.S. electric grid is halfway to zero carbon
Other sectors including buildings lag power industry.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2021
Failed landmark preservation effort in Chicago provides lessons for planners
Gentrification fears heightened among Pilsen neighborhood residents doomed ambitious preservation plan.
Codes and Standards | Apr 14, 2021
New Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment standard debuts in 2021
Will affect 250,000 commercial real estate deals a year.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2021
British Columbia moves to accelerate mass timber construction
Province funds demonstration projects as part of economic recovery.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2021
WoodWorks and Think Wood release first Mass Timber Design Manual
Interactive collection of information on mass timber products, design best practices, taller wood construction and sustainability.