Now open: public comment period on new NYSERDA green building program
Monday, December 28th, 2009The public comment period on NYSERDA’s proposed Green Residential Building Program is now open and runs through February 8. Review and comment on the program rules here.
From NYSERDA:
The New York State Green Residential Building Program (GRBP) will promote green design and building practices throughout New York State by offering incentives to Owners of newly constructed or substantially renovated green residential buildings of fewer than 12 units. A green residential building is a structure that incorporates design and construction practices that can lower energy costs and production of greenhouse gases, reduce waste and water use, and improve indoor air quality.
Posted in Energy, Energy $mart Communities, Energy Efficiency, Green Building, Housing, NYSERDA | Permalink
Green from the Inside Out – Downtown
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009| January 25, 2010 | ||
| 6:15 pm | to | 8:15 pm |
Posted in Education, Energy, Energy $mart Communities, Energy Efficiency, Green Building, Housing, New York City, Other Events, Photovoltaics, Recycling, Solar One, Solar One Events, Sustainability, Technology | Permalink
Snippets from Day 3 (and 4) at COP 15.
Thursday, December 17th, 2009“Actifist” launched last night at Union Square/Fresh Air Cafe (Copenhagen) with great success! The interactive portal allowed New Yorkers to express their support for the 350 campaign’s science-based Copenhagen goal with signature attitude – by slamming their fist down and demanding action on one side of the Atlantic and having their motion instantaneously replicated by a wooden hand in Copenhagen before a live audience. The video speaks for itself. What’s next for Actifist? At least from those of us on the Copenhagen side (Chris Neidl and Dave Gibbs) this is just the beginning. We’re already brimming with new ideas on how to expand the interface for future COPs. Next stop, Bonn, July 2010. Great Job Adam Harvey, Richard Reiss, Angela Tran Dave Gibbs! Big thanks to Solar One staff and friends Janna, Corinne and Dina for holding down the NYC end of things – you looked great!
Solar One’s great friend and former grant writer spent the last several months tracking the U.S. climate negotiators at negotiations in Bangkok, Barcelona and now Copenhagen. He’s spent the last nine days in the Bella Center witnessing various parts of the proceedings, In this video, he shares some impressions on what has happened so far and where things are going.
Last night Greenpeace International’s executive director Kumi Naidoo gave a great ‘speech’ at the Fresh Air Cafe in central Copenhagen. It was a nice burst of energy following a rough few of days at COP 15.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink
NYC’s Air Still Dirty
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009The City’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released “The New York City Community Air Study” yesterday (link to full PDF here) and the results indicate that we still have a ways to go to eliminate the problem of air pollution. Â Measuring 5 different pollutants at 150 locations around the city and using density and traffic data to interpolate results, the report shows that air quality continues to be problematic in many areas of the city, especially in Manhattan, areas of the Bronx and other high-traffic areas.
Beyond traffic, another major cause identified is fuel combustion for space and water heating.  This is because “New York City is unique in the large amount of #4 and #6 heavy or ‘residual’ oil used for heating. Burning residual oil for heating generates more PM2.5 and SO2 per unit of heat than burning regular #2 home heating oil. Natural gas emits even less PM2.5 per unit of heat produced.”
The report looked only at conditions during winter, and so misses out on some summer-specific causes like increased use of dirtier power plants to meet peak demand. Â It also doesn’t get into issues like indoor air quality (which can be much worse, especially in buildings with old equipment) and the increased amount of time people spend outside during the warmer months. Â Nor does it include data for the airports, which seem like they would be candidates for high pollution totals with all that jet fuel being burned.
That said, the solutions in the report are good to see, if somewhat obvious: a transition to cleaner fuels, increased efficiency, expanded mass transit and a shift to cleaner vehicles. Â To that we might add: promotion of renewable energy solutions like PV for electricity, solar thermal for water heating and geothermal for heating and cooling. Â More trees and planted areas like community gardens and green roofs could also be helpful.
Looking to upgrade  the efficiency of your building or maybe put in a PV system? Check out the resources and incentive information available on our new Energy $mart Communities page.
Posted in Energy, Energy Efficiency, New York City, Pollution | Permalink
Solar One at COP 15, Day 2.
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009Today was a busy, busy day . . . so busy I didn’t get much of a chance to film anything or hit the streets. Sorry, more footage tomorrow. For now, hope you can settle for my talking head – CN
A sobering graphic produced by 350 using climateinteractive.org data shows how far short the proceedings in Copenhagen are falling from negotiating anything near a science-based carbon reduction target. Please be sure to give this site a good hard look if heads of state are congratulating each other on reaching any kind of deal.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink
