Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently released a proposal for beefed up building codes and related actions to improve energy efficiency in New York State.
The Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 would “significantly strengthen the state's building codes, improve energy and water efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State,” according to a statement from the governor’s office. The proposal would save New Yorkers $15 billion, with 40% of savings benefitting low- and moderate-income households, and it would reduce carbon emissions by 1.4 million tons annually, the Cuomo Administration says.
“This comprehensive legislation reduces energy and water consumption, makes sure substandard products will be removed from the market, and enhances the quality of products available, all while reducing emissions that contribute to climate change,” Cuomo says. Strengthening the energy code as proposed would allow the state to establish new energy efficiency standards for buildings, such as requiring greenhouse gas emission reduction in the design criteria.
The legislation expands appliance standards categories to cover a wider range of products and prevents appliances that do not meet minimum performance levels from being sold, leased, or installed. New York is on a path to achieving its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy-wide carbon neutrality, according to the Administration’s statement.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Miami-Dade County will allow accessory dwelling units
Commissioners in Miami-Dade County, Fla., recently voted to allow many single-family homeowners to rent out accessory dwelling units on their property. Many homeowners will be allowed to rent out garages, separate quarters, or detached backyard apartments if they meet certain standards including for lot size and parking.
Steel Buildings | Dec 6, 2022
2022 AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges released
The American Institute of Steel Construction recently released an updated revision of one of its flagship standards, the Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303-22). The code was last updated in 2016. The latest version is available as a free download at aisc.org/2022code.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Support for multifamily rent control legislation grows as metros face big rent hikes
Steep rent increases during the pandemic recovery have spurred support for rent control legislation in several areas of the country.
Mass Timber | Dec 1, 2022
Cross laminated timber market forecast to more than triple by end of decade
Cross laminated timber (CLT) is gaining acceptance as an eco-friendly building material, a trend that will propel its growth through the end of the 2020s. The CLT market is projected to more than triple from $1.11 billion in 2021 to $3.72 billion by 2030, according to a report from Polaris Market Research.
Retail Centers | Nov 29, 2022
'Social' tenants play a vital role in the health of the retail center market
After a long Covid-induced period when the public avoided large gatherings, owners of malls and retail lifestyle centers are increasingly focused on attracting tenants that provide opportunities for socialization. Pent-up demand for experiences involving gatherings of people is fueling renovations and redesigns of large retail developments.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 29, 2022
Number of office-to-apartment conversion projects has jumped since start of pandemic
As remote work rose and demand for office space declined since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, developers have found converting some offices to residential use to be an attractive option. Apartment conversions rose 25% in the two years since the start of the pandemic, with 28,000 new units converted from other property types, according to a report from RentCafe.
Seismic Design | Nov 16, 2022
SPC-4D: 7 reasons California hospital building owners should act now to meet seismic compliance
Seismic compliance with the applicable California building codes is onerous and disruptive for building owners, especially for a building in the heavily regulated sector of healthcare. Owners of older buildings that house acute care services have a big deadline on the horizon—Jan. 1, 2030, the cutoff date to upgrade their buildings to SPC-4D.
Green | Nov 13, 2022
USGBC updates LEED v4 to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will update the LEED v4 green building certification program to “more directly address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change” according to a USGBC news release.
Green | Nov 13, 2022
NREL report: Using photovoltaic modules with longer lifetimes is a better option than recycling
A new report from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) says PV module lifetime extensions should be prioritized over closed-loop recycling to reduce demand for new materials.
Green | Nov 13, 2022
Global building emissions reached record levels in 2021
Carbon-dioxide emissions from building construction and operations hit an all-time high in 2021, according to the most recent data compiled by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.
