Efstathios Valiotis of Alma Realty argues that the New York real estate industry has made strides to curb emissions and been a leader in fighting climate change in the city.

While the MTA continues to face severe issues and New York's mayor rejects calls for congestion pricing, Efstathios Valiotis of Alma Realty argues that real estate provides a bright spot in the city's fight with climate change. "Builders of skyscrapers and developers who preserve and modernize existing buildings to meet the city's vast housing needs make decisions that collectively have an enormous impact," Valiotis writes.
Mayor Bill de Blasio highlighted curbing emissions from buildings in his long-term sustainability plan, recently releasing a controversial video touting his building efficiency regulations.
Buildings are the biggest source of emissions, so we're setting strict standards on energy efficiency. Smarter boilers, heaters, and windows will use less energy, and smarter buildings will be the equivalent of taking 900,000 cars off the road. pic.twitter.com/8QxMo1gpB9
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 22, 2018
Valiotis points out that the real estate community is already making strides to curb its emissions. More efficient HVAC systems, better insulation, LED lighting, and other updates have shrunk the climate footprint of buildings in New York. "Emissions from buildings citywide in 2015 were 18% lower than in 2005, an unmistakable sign that conservancy and efficiency measures are working," Valiotis writes.
FULL STORY: City's real estate industry must lead way on climate change— and it is

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont