07 Jun How Energy Efficiency is the Future for NYC Built Environment

New York is a city that never sleeps. This hub is not only responsible for its vibrant culture, commerce, and creativity, but it is also a colossal consumer of energy. Its six million buildings require a substantial amount of power. These unending demands come at a hefty cost that impacts us beyond our wallets. It directly affects our wallets. 

However, in this busy city, a sustainable shift is taking place. Amidst the iconic buildings, a pivotal change is taking place quietly. The city is adopting energy-efficient practices in its built environment. 

In this blog, we will explore how energy efficiency is becoming a driving force behind the revolution that is taking place in NYC.

What is energy efficiency?

Often viewed as a buzzword, it is a transformative concept that can change urban living and enhance our environmental responsibilities. In simple terms, it is the process of using less energy to perform the same task that used to consume a substantial amount of energy. This concept has been transforming the way energy is used in the city over the decades. 

It has helped build a cleaner economy that is more secure, affordable, and productive. However, after several years of slow progress, recent federal funding has provided the government and residential societies with the means to invest further in energy efficiency. 

As climate change accelerates, the race to improve US productivity and competitiveness is also increasing. The county needs expansive, diverse, affordable, and innovative energy-efficient tools. The Energy Efficiency Impact Report tracks progress in a variety of species, such as utilities, buildings, industry, etc., using 59 indicators. To increase energy efficiency, they examine how policy and other tools are used. Here are the key findings that show the impact of this process:

• By getting twice the economic output than in 1980, the study has concluded that it fuels the economy. 
• It improves the life of the planet by providing a cleaner environment and improving public health. 
• The six key efficient energy policies reduced the total consumption in the States by roughly 29 quads in 2021. 

The role of buildings in energy consumption 

The building in New York has a voracious appetite for energy. The state-of-the-art skyscrapers use more electricity than the residential buildings. For example, a skyscraper at 1285 6th Ave. uses 40,137 kWh of power each year. Buildings are massive consumers of energy, from the electricity required for heating or cooling or for using appliances and lighting. However, it is not just about the amount consumed; it is about how efficiently we consume it. This is where the role of energy efficiency comes into play. 

Can redesigning buildings in NYC help combat climate change?

As we enter the second half of 2024, the building industry in this city is starting to feel the impacts of climate change legislation. Carbon-saving policies like Local Law 97, which states building emission limits, have started to take action this year. The amount of electricity The buildings are using presently will count towards the first round of the LL97 carbon limits. Hence, to deal with the impact of exceeding limits, the structure owners must be prepared. With such regulations, the city has a unique opportunity to show the world how such laws can help reduce emissions. 

This year, for the first time, many new buildings and renovation structures will not be allowed to design systems with onsite combustion of fossil fuels. To meet the decarbonization and energy efficiency goals, the buildings in NYC Environment have to transform the way they heat and power. 

The built environment is a significant contributor to greenhouse gasses, and this makes it a prime target for improvement. To achieve this goal, the following methods can be adopted:

Renovating existing structures 

Older buildings constitute a significant portion of NYC’s skylines. As they use older technology, they consume a lot of energy and release greenhouse gasses. In order to protect the environment, the Greenery Greater Building plan is helping building owners in New York to cut their energy use dramatically. Additionally, to combat these emissions and decrease the building’s energy dependence, many new sustainable technologies have been launched into the market. By making small improvements like painting or undertaking bigger projects like solar panels, homeowners can make a lot of difference. 

Making sustainable designs for newer buildings 

For newer construction projects, homeowners can contract architects and developers who focus on constructing sustainable buildings.  Green roofs, solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and features like these should be kept in mind while coming up with the plan. In addition to this, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, or green design features can also be used to reduce the pressure on groundwater. Moreover, low-carbon and other advanced building materials can also be used to have the lowest environmental impact possible. 

Also Read: How NYC Energy-Related Laws are Changing the Built Environment

How to construct a carbon-neutral building?

A carbon-neutral building is one where the design, construction, and operations do not emit greenhouse gasses. By reducing emissions from the construction industry, we can meet the state’s climate goals. The focus areas of decarbonization are grid load management, energy efficiency, and electrification. 

Listed below are the attributes of a carbon-neutral building:

• It maximizes energy efficiency. 
• There is no need for fossil fuels for building energy services.
• They are designed with flexible loads or storages that can respond to the grid conditions. 
• It has resiliency features that protect the building occupants. 
• Lastly, it is designed with attention to embodied carbon and refrigerants.

These buildings have multiple benefits:

• Minimize liability & future proof
• Maximize usable square footage
• Health benefits
• Increased Resilience
• Occupant comfort
• Safety

Contribution of the human factor in the energy efficiency of buildings

Despite the infrastructural and technological improvements, changing the behavior of humans also plays a vital role. Fostering a culture of energy conservation is important for energy efficiency. In order to improve this, raising awareness about the importance of energy efficiency is necessary through education and outreach. New Yorkers are becoming increasingly aware of their power to conserve energy with their newly gained knowledge.

Occupants have a direct effect on the heating and cooling of buildings. By training them to adopt more energy-friendly behaviors like switching off lights and ACs, we can save energy use. Sometimes, it can be a challenging task to motivate them to change their long-term behaviors. However, by providing feedback, it can be easy for them to understand and adapt to their daily routines.

Moreover, by taking some key elements like insulation and passive design principles into consideration, we can minimize our energy needs. By actively incorporating such strategies, the owners or stakeholders throughout the city can take pride in shaping a sustainable future.

In conclusion

New York is a city that never sleeps. This hub is not only responsible for its vibrant culture, commerce, and creativity, but it is also a colossal consumer of energy. Its six million buildings require a substantial amount of power. These unending demands come at a hefty cost that impacts us beyond our wallets. It directly affects our wallets. 

However, in this busy city, a sustainable shift is taking place. Amidst the iconic buildings, a pivotal change is taking place quietly. The city is adopting energy-efficient practices in its built environment.