THE NEW CARBON CHALLENGE: MAJOR EXPANSION TO ACHIEVE BUILDING CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2030

 

The new program expansion will recognize and support leaders in the private, institutional, and non-profit sectors in their commitment to decarbonize select buildings within their portfolio by 2030

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the expansion of the NYC Carbon Challenge, a public-private partnership between the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability and leaders in the private, institutional, and non-profit sectors, to bring on 13 new participants who have committed to achieving carbon neutrality in select buildings as early as 2030. With buildings being the largest contributor of climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions in New York City, this new pledge will remove more than 360,000 metric tons of carbon emissions—the equivalent of taking more than 78,000 cars off the road—save an estimated $175 million in energy costs, and create approximately 1,000 green jobs.

 

"When faced with a challenge as enormous as climate change, you can count on New Yorkers to take the lead,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "The new Carbon Challenge is about going bigger, faster, and going together to tackle the climate crisis. Now is the time for industry leaders in New York City to show the rest of the nation how we can decarbonize buildings by 2030." 

 

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats we are facing today, and we must confront this moment with collaboration, ingenuity, and leadership,” said Ben Furnas, Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability. “I want to thank our Carbon Challenge partners for stepping up to the challenge and showing how sustainably transforming our buildings is possible and necessary to combat the climate emergency.”

 

The 13 partners taking the Carbon Neutral by 2030 pledge include: Barclays, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Empire State Realty Trust, Google, InterContinental New York Barclay, JB&B, Loews Regency Hotel, Marion Scott Real Estate Inc, RiseBoro Community Partnership, StuyTown Property Services, The Westin New York at Times Square, and Yeshiva University.

 

"We're proud to be part of a city that leads on carbon reduction—we signed onto the original Mayor’s Challenge and exceeded the 50% emissions reduction target seven years ahead of the 2025 deadline,” said John Burgess, Director of Facilities at Google. “We congratulate Mayor de Blasio on this bold initiative, and will continue to prioritize sustainability in our New York City offices and beyond."

 

“At InterContinental New York Barclay, we vow to be a considerate steward of New York City, respecting the setting and community for a prosperous future,” said Sofia Vandaele, General Manager at InterContinental New York Barclay. “As an eco-friendly hotel with a rooftop garden and beehive producing hyper-local ingredients for our bar; utilizing energy efficient lighting, heating, and water systems; operating extensive waste management programs and more environmentally responsible practices, we proactively seek ways to better our eco footprint in the destination. We are proud to support the IHG initiative Journey to Tomorrow; a 10-year commitment which aims to focus on two key areas: our people and communities, and our planet. This is at the heart of the company’s purpose to deliver True Hospitality for Good—empowering our people to help shape the future of responsible travel. Last but not least, we join the NYC Carbon Challenge, the latest step in our pursuit, to be a responsible partner for New York City and the world, and we are delighted to join this prestigious group of establishments in the quest to become carbon neutral by 2030.”

 

“We are immensely proud of our commitment to making StuyTown & Peter Cooper Village carbon neutral by 2030,” said Rei Moya, Chief Operating Officer at Beam Living. “Our work so far includes doubling Manhattan’s solar capacity by installing solar panels on the roofs of all 110 of our buildings; replacing 13,000 common area lightbulbs with LEDs; and embedding advanced sensors throughout the complex to help us manage energy use. Achieving the NYC Carbon Challenge’s ambitious target requires ongoing, focused action, which is why we are continuing to investigate ways to bring even more cutting-edge efficient energy solutions to our community.” 

 

“As the challenges posed by climate change become more urgent by the day, members of the real estate industry are continuing to lead the way with innovative approaches to sustainable development and emissions reduction,” said REBNY President James Whelan. “REBNY and its members remain committed to working with City officials on the Carbon Challenge and other critical efforts to achieve our shared goals of addressing climate change and creating a more sustainable city for all.”