Bronx electeds support legislation that aims to help New York buildings meet energy efficiency goals – Bronx Times
Bronx electeds support legislation that aims to help New York buildings meet energy efficiency goals – Bronx Times Bronx Times
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The GREEN Buildings Act: Promoting Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development
Introduction
The City Council has initiated a concerted effort to pass the Growing Resilient & Energy-Efficient NY (GREEN) Buildings Act, aimed at assisting buildings in New York City and the state in meeting the requirements of Local Law 97. This report highlights the significance of the proposed act and its potential impact on sustainable development.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Background
Local Law 97, passed in April 2019, aims to address climate change and meet emission reduction targets. However, complying with the new emission standards imposed by this law poses significant financial burdens on building owners. The GREEN Buildings Act, also known as A.5050/S.943-A, seeks to alleviate these challenges by providing tax abatements and exemptions to eligible property owners.
Efforts to Pass the GREEN Buildings Act
The City Council has taken two important steps to advocate for the passage of the GREEN Buildings Act:
- Letter to Albany Lawmakers: On February 21, Brooklyn Council Member Justin Brannan sent a letter to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Carl Heastie. The letter emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change and meeting emission reduction targets. It highlights how the GREEN Buildings Act can help building owners by providing property tax abatements and exemptions.
- Letter to Governor Kathy Hochul: On March 1, a letter was sent to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, stressing the need to assist building owners in meeting emission reduction goals instead of imposing fines. The letter also highlights the financial burden faced by working and middle-class residential co-ops and condos.
Benefits of the GREEN Buildings Act
The proposed act offers several benefits:
- Environmental Impact: The act aligns with New York City and state climate goals, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11, and 13.
- Economic Advantages: By providing tax abatements and exemptions, the act reduces the financial burden on building owners, making compliance with Local Law 97 more feasible.
- Affordable Housing: The act prioritizes maintaining the viability of affordable homes, ensuring that working and middle-class residents are not disproportionately affected by compliance costs.
Support for the GREEN Buildings Act
The letters sent by City Council members have garnered significant support:
- 26 signatures on the letter to Albany lawmakers
- 9 signatures on the Common Sense Letter sent to Governor Kathy Hochul
Conclusion
The GREEN Buildings Act holds great potential in promoting energy efficiency, sustainable development, and achieving climate goals. By providing tax abatements and exemptions, the act eases the financial burden on building owners and ensures the viability of affordable homes. It is crucial for Albany lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this legislation to support the constituents and contribute to a greener future.
Contact:
Reach Steven Goodstein at sgoodstein@bronxtimes.com or (718) 260–8326. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bronxtimes
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the proposed GREEN Buildings Act, which aims to assist building owners in complying with energy efficiency requirements. This aligns with SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The act also addresses the need for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) by promoting energy-efficient buildings. Additionally, the act contributes to SDG 13 by supporting climate action through reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article highlights the importance of energy efficiency in buildings to comply with Local Law 97. This aligns with SDG 7.3, which aims to improve energy efficiency globally. The act also contributes to SDG 11.6 by promoting energy-efficient buildings to reduce the environmental impact of cities. Additionally, the act supports SDG 13.2 by addressing climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions the following indicators:
- Number of property owners investing in energy-efficient upgrades
- Amount of investment required by property owners to comply with emission standards
- Number of buildings covered by Local Law 97
- Number of building owners benefiting from tax abatements and exemptions
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. By tracking the number of property owners investing in energy-efficient upgrades and the amount of investment required, progress towards SDG 7.3 can be assessed. The number of buildings covered by Local Law 97 and the number of building owners benefiting from tax abatements and exemptions can indicate progress towards SDG 11.6. Additionally, these indicators can also provide insights into the implementation of the GREEN Buildings Act and its impact on climate action (SDG 13.2).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | – Number of property owners investing in energy-efficient upgrades – Amount of investment required by property owners to comply with emission standards |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Number of buildings covered by Local Law 97 – Number of building owners benefiting from tax abatements and exemptions |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Number of property owners investing in energy-efficient upgrades – Amount of investment required by property owners to comply with emission standards |
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: bxtimes.com
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