NYCHA Takes the Carbon Challenge
NYCHA doesn’t shy away from challenges—and the NYC Carbon Challenge is no exception. The Authority announced on February 2 that it pledges to reduce its buildings’ greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next 10 years as part of the Carbon Challenge. NYCHA is the largest organization to participate in the Challenge, joining 20 of the City’s top residential property managers, owners, and developers.
“As the nation’s largest housing authority and residential landlord, we can have a major impact on curbing the effects of climate change, which affects us all,” remarked Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye.
NYCHA’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next 10 years will eliminate 330,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of taking about 70,000 cars off the road for one year.
“By joining the NYC Carbon Challenge, we are doing our part to not only meet the City’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals but to also protect both health and quality of life for this and the next generation of New Yorkers.”
The work is already underway at NYCHA to meet the goals of the Carbon Challenge and the Mayor’s OneNYC plan to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050. Through NextGeneration NYCHA initiatives like energy performance contracts and other energy-efficiency programs, the Authority is investing $300 million to upgrade heating, hot water, interior and exterior lighting, and ventilation systems in buildings across the city. In addition to creating a healthier and safer environment, these investments are projected to generate approximately 90 Section 3 jobs for residents and community members.
“Since the release of NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda last April, we have been working closely with sister agencies and industry leaders to launch an ambitious energy-efficiency retrofit program,” said Bomee Jung, NYCHA’s Vice President of Energy and Sustainability. “The NYC Carbon Challenge allows us to express how these investments that deliver brighter lighting and more comfortable and reliable heat- ing also contribute toward mitigating the future impacts of climate change.”
