New York City took a leap forward last week in its efforts to combat climate change, for which we owe City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) a debt of gratitude.
The Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, which the Council passed Dec. 9, will create the city’s first energy code, improve energy efficiency in existing buildings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs and create thousands of green-collar jobs. It is the most forward-thinking green buildings plan adopted by any large city in the country.
As chair of the Council Environmental Protection Committee, Gennaro played a pivotal role in shaping all four components of the plan. He was also the prime sponsor of its centerpiece: the requirement that owners of large buildings conduct routine energy audits. These audits take a critical look at buildings’ energy use, identify problems, map out solutions to improve efficiency and reduce air pollution.
The importance of this plan was captured in Gennaro’s words Dec. 9, when he said before the Council that “20 years from now, people will look back at the vote on this landmark legislative package as the moment when city government, critical stakeholders and concerned citizenry came together to transform our buildings into centers of environmental innovation, showcases of engineering excellence and engines of economic revitalization.”
We could not agree more. Thank you, Councilman Gennaro.
Marcia Bystryn
President
New York League of Conservation Voters
Manhattan
