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

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway
The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot
The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions