New York City Carbon Challenge Advances Path to Clean Energy Economy

(NEW YORK, NY – January 26, 2017) New York mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a Carbon Challenge for Commercial Owners and Tenants, a new partnership with the Real Estate Board of New York to reduce pollution generated by commercial office buildings. The initiative will help New York City achieve its climate target of lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Ten commercial owners and 12 tenants with more than 58 million square feet of office space have committed to reducing pollution by 30, 40, or 50 percent by 2026. As a result, emissions are projected to fall 60,000 metric tons and save $50 million in energy costs. Environmental Defense Fund played a significant role with the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability in the project’s strategic development and recruitment and joins major city building owners and companies in pledging to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent in the next 10 years.

 “Almost 30 percent of New York City’s pollution comes from commercial buildings, and decreasing energy use in offices is critical. The Carbon Challenge will accelerate the city’s transformation to a clean energy economy and is an outstanding example for cities to follow.”

 ·         Rory Christian, Director, New York Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund