NYC Gets to Work on "Green Zoning" Rules

"'This is the most comprehensive citywide initiative dealing with energy efficiency and green building in the U.S.,' said Amanda Burden, chair of the City Planning Commission. 'This is about being a greener city, providing cleaner air and water as well as saving money on utility bills.'

The city's roughly one million buildings cost $15 billion a year to power and heat and account for 80% of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. The changes will promote the installation of solar panels on rooftops, which will reduce electrical bills and carbon emissions.

Additionally, storm-water detention systems and skylights can be installed anywhere below the parapet on rooftops, regardless of building height. Wind turbines would also be allowed to rise up to 55 feet above, or up to half the height of the building, on the rooftop of commercial and industrial buildings taller than 100 feet."