NEW YORK – The New York League of Conservation Voters, the nonpartisan voice for New York’s environmental community, applauded Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his commitment to “greening” both existing buildings and new construction in New York City in his State of the City address today.

New York City’s rapidly aging built environment contributes tremendously to the city’s carbon footprint, and the League is heartened to see that the mayor’s carbon control plan includes an emphasis on new strategies aimed at encouraging the greening of existing buildings. The mayor also indicated the city would increase its use of solar panels on government buildings.

“Buildings are responsible for 79 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City,” said Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “While the city government has made bold strides in retrofitting its facilities and meeting LEED-certification in new projects, participation from the real estate industry is crucial to the success of our local climate change efforts. We look forward to working with our partners in government, labor and the real estate sector to make the Big Apple’s skyline as green as possible.”