Latest New York Citys: New York City

A coalition of over 40 environmental, governmental, housing, labor, and real estate groups recently unveiled the Blueprint For Efficiency plan to mandate dramatic energy use cuts in New York City’s large buildings. In conjunction with the plans release, City Council Member Costa Constantinides announced plans to introduce legislation this fall that would reflect much of the plan’s recommendations. The plan and accompanying legislation come after two years of discussions and negotiations between the city administration, City Council, and stakeholder groups on how to address the biggest contributor to the city’s greenhouse gas emissions - buildings.

You may already know about the recreational and environmental benefits of open green space. But do you know about the public safety benefits of greenspaces? A new study by the New York Restoration Project found a correlation between the creation of new green spaces and improvements in crime rates.

It is crucial for policymakers to pass legislation to divert food waste from landfills, as only 3% of waste produced in the state does not end up at either a landfill or waste-to-energy facility. The Food Recovery and Recycling Act (that, unfortunately, did not pass) would have discouraged the production, distribution, and preparation of excess food; recovered excess food to be redistributed to those in need; and provided funding for new recycling programs specifically concerning food scraps.

Over the last fifty years, there has been a major increase in extreme weather, such as heat waves, droughts, and intense hurricanes. One of the most direct ways we experience the effects of climate change first-hand is when our communities are hit with extreme weather - and we can expect extreme weather events to increase in frequency and severity over time.

As part of Vision Zero, DOT is bringing streets into the public realm by building pedestrian plazas. Turning streets from car-filled conduits into attractive places to relax makes city streets more inviting for pedestrians and help drivers become more aware of the need to drive slowly and attentively.

Community Solar, now gaining popularity in New York, is a solar power system whose electricity is shared by more than one household. It expands solar energy in communities where many have traditionally lacked access.

Technology and digital innovations have had a positive impact on our environment - we have the internet to thank for a large reduction of paper and waste. But these innovations can also have negative impacts that we should be aware of.