$10 Million Announced in Round Four of Buildings of Excellence Competition
$10 Million Announced in Round Four of Buildings of Excellence ... NYSERDA
sdgtalks
Competition Advances Zero-Carbon Multifamily Buildings in New York State and Continues Early-Stage Design Support for Design Teams and Developers
July 19, 2023
The state of New York is taking significant steps towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by announcing $10 million in funding under Round Four of the Buildings of Excellence Competition. This competition aims to advance zero-carbon multifamily buildings in the state, promoting resilient and climate-friendly structures that prioritize the health and well-being of residents. The competition aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to achieving two million climate-friendly homes by 2030 and the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050 as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Competition Details
- The Buildings of Excellence Competition is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
- Round Four of the competition is open to applicants across New York State.
- Proposals are being accepted for early-stage design projects that integrate carbon neutral features into pre-schematic and schematic design phases.
- The competition aims to support the cost-effective construction and completion of exemplary multi-family buildings.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris emphasized Governor Hochul’s commitment to reducing the state’s carbon footprint and ensuring cleaner building stock throughout New York. The significant investment in this competition will create healthier living spaces and communities while driving down harmful emissions from buildings, which is one of the highest contributing sectors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator Kevin Parker, Chair of the NYS Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, highlighted the importance of reducing emissions in buildings to achieve the state’s Climate Act goals. The Buildings of Excellence Competition serves as an example of how emissions can be reduced while delivering benefits to New Yorkers living in affordable housing.
Proposals for demonstration projects can be submitted until Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Applications for Early Design Support will be accepted continuously through June 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM. More information about this funding opportunity can be found on NYSERDA’s website.
Impact and Priorities
- The Buildings of Excellence Competition revolutionizes the construction and adaptive reuse of multifamily housing and mixed-use buildings, demonstrating their cost-competitiveness compared to traditional fossil-fuel dependent dwellings.
- The competition prioritizes housing and energy affordability, ensuring that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments support disadvantaged communities.
- In the first three rounds of the competition, 56 exemplary projects were awarded, with over two-thirds serving affordable housing markets and 30 located in Disadvantaged Communities.
- Eight projects have completed construction, and an additional 20 are currently in progress.
Buildings are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State, accounting for more than a third of annual emissions. Integrating energy efficiency and electrification measures in buildings is crucial to reducing carbon pollution and achieving modernized, healthy, and comfortable structures. The state is investing over $6.8 billion to decarbonize buildings and achieve its climate goals.
The funding for this program is provided through the State’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. More information about the competition and associated funding can be found on NYSERDA’s website.
New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State is leading the way in addressing climate change through its comprehensive climate plan. The state aims to create family-sustaining jobs, foster a green economy, and direct at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities. Key initiatives include achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century.
New York’s clean energy investments include large-scale renewable and transmission projects, building emission reduction programs, solar scaling initiatives, and clean transportation projects. These investments have created over 165,000 jobs in the clean energy sector and have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The state has also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations to improve air quality and combat climate change.
New York continues to collaborate with communities and stakeholders to advance its climate action. Climate Smart Communities, Clean Energy Communities, and community air monitoring initiatives are among the partnerships driving progress in reducing emissions and improving air quality across the state.
Competition Advances Zero-Carbon Multifamily Buildings in New York State and Continues Early-Stage Design Support for Design Teams and Developers
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the following indicators:
- Financial awards and recognition for the design and construction of resilient, climate-friendly buildings
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050
- Integration of carbon neutral features into pre-schematic and schematic design phases
- Cost-effective construction and completion of exemplary multi-family buildings
- At least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments support disadvantaged communities
- Number of proposals and applications received for the Buildings of Excellence Competition
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Financial awards and recognition for the design and construction of resilient, climate-friendly buildings – Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050 |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Integration of carbon neutral features into pre-schematic and schematic design phases – Cost-effective construction and completion of exemplary multi-family buildings |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization | – Financial awards and recognition for the design and construction of resilient, climate-friendly buildings – At least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments support disadvantaged communities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050 – Integration of carbon neutral features into pre-schematic and schematic design phases |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nyserda.ny.gov
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
