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
To Reduce Carbon Emissions, Focus on Existing Buildings
Architects are uniquely positioned to reduce global warming, argues the CEO of Urban Green Council—but first they need to rethink their role.
Flood Barrier Approved for Manhattan's East Side
A plan to build a flood barrier between Manhattan and the East River overcame some last minute controversy on its way to approval this month.
Satirizing Mayors Who Campaign for President During a Flood
The Onion took some shots at presidential hopeful and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio after summer rain showers flooded streets and sent water cascading into the city's subway system.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions