How are you measuring the success of your business sustainability plan? Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) allow you to keep track of your company's health and performance, measure the progress of initiatives over time, adjust projects to stay on track in meeting targets, solve problems with data, and analyze patterns over time. In addition, energy KPIs can measure energy-relevant processes to change production processes. Keep reading to learn key performance indicators that you should measure in your energy management plan for your New York City, NY business.

On October 15, 2020, The State of New York’s Public Service Commission released an order that established the Tier 4 Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) program in New York City. The Tier 4 Program was created to support the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and The New York State Clean Energy Standard state goals. The Tier 4 Program allows for purchasing RECs produced or delivered in New York City Zone J to offset building emissions under Local Law 97. As part of this program, Tier 4 was also designed to increase the availability of clean energy resources to Zone J through new renewable energy projects. Throughout 2021, NYSERDA heard proposals for multiple renewable energy projects bidding for the contract award. As of September 2021, NYSERDA selected two contracts for the Tier 4 contract awards, Clean Path New York (CPNY) and Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE). Before construction can begin, both projects must be approved by the New York Public Service Commission, which is expected to be completed in 2021.

Keep reading to earn more about the benefits of this renewable energy policy in New York City. 

According to the EPA, organizations working to lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint have various mitigation options at their disposal, "including activities to reduce their direct emissions, indirect emissions like energy efficiency measures and switching to green power, and paying for external reductions. Knowing the differences between instruments like RECs and offsets is critical to deciding how both may be useful to your organization."

In September 2021, the remnants of Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 hurricane, passed through New York City causing widespread power outages. The storm caused nearly 150,000 customers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut to lose power, affecting nearly 45,600 customers in New York State alone. The damage directly impacted business owners’ revenue streams while they waited several days for power restoration. New York City’s infrastructure may not be prepared for the next severe weather storm. As a result, organizations are uncertain how severe weather will affect them in the future. By prioritizing energy resiliency now with the help of our sustainable energy consulting, your organization can implement a proactive plan that will insulate you from energy crises and ensure long-term success. 

New York City has committed to achieving carbon neutrality in the coming decades to reduce the impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future. One step that has been taken towards achieving this goal was the passage of the Climate Mobilization Act and Local Law 97. However, these policies alone may be insufficient to reach the ambitious goals set out by the New York City Government.

A study commissioned by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (MOS), Con Edison, and National Grid determined that large-scale coordination and collaboration will be required to address climate change at the pace and scale that climate scientists recommend, and ongoing innovation, new technology, high-quality carbon offsets, and more will be needed. Still, these cutting-edge policies are an important testament to NYC’s dedication to sustainability.

Keep reading to learn more about Local Law 97 climate legislation and how your business can better prepare your sustainable energy strategy for a greener future in New York City and surrounding areas.

Business owners in New York City and surrounding areas might have heard of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and wondered if it will affect their operations. This new law, which aims to reduce energy consumption, is the first step in a long march towards addressing climate change.  By increasing access to reliable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gases and local pollution, the CLCPA provided every New Yorker the opportunity to help keep our communities healthy. Read on to learn more about how this will affect your business’s renewable energy policy.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that society faces, and it will undoubtedly affect ecosystems, society as a whole, and businesses. As a result, companies must take a proactive approach to create strategies that reduce risk and give a competitive advantage in a changing world.

In this blog series, we will be focusing on climate legislation starting on the federal level and then working our way down to local legislation in New York and New York City. In our first blog, we will cover the Paris Climate Agreement. Read on to learn the answers to your questions about the Paris Climate Agreement, a greenhouse gas reduction plan, and its effects on New York, the country, and the world.

Commercial sectors are constantly looking for ways to transition to an energy solution that offers a more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable future. Technology such as fuel cells provides unmatched reliability, durability, and scalability for a wide range of applications. If you are invested in the growth and development of your business, it might be time to consider your energy plan for the future.

Our renewable energy consulting team has provided the answers to three key questions about fuel cell technology to help you make the best decision for your business in New York City and surrounding areas. Keep reading for more.

Solar energy has come a long way since it was first invented. Solar panels have become lighter and longer lasting, and today’s solar energy systems last longer than ever. Installing solar power for your business in New York City and surrounding areas will reduce your carbon footprint, provide a long-lasting return on investment, and support the sustainability of your business. When you work with a solar power consultant like Gotham 360, you will enjoy the latest and greatest of solar technology. Read on to learn how solar technology has improved over the years. 

Peak energy usage can raise your monthly bills if you are not conscious about when you are using the most power. Creating a carefully crafted peak mitigation strategy can reduce the overhead costs of your business, lead to savings, and reduce your carbon footprint. Keep reading to learn how energy-efficient solutions and peak shaving will help you to reduce the overhead costs of your business in New York City, NY, and surround areas.

In thinking about what Gotham 360 would do to celebrate Earth Day this year we were reminded of how much has changed since last Earth Day, and how so much is still so different in regards to how we hold events and connect with one another. Throughout the last year, the pandemic has brought to light the overlap between environmental justice communities and the communities and populations hit hardest by the pandemic. We thought it only fitting to check in with some of our healthcare clients to hear their perspective on sustainability programming in hospitals, and how that has or hasn’t changed in the face of the pandemic.

LL 97 of 2019 offers two adjustment pathways – one for buildings with qualified excess emissions, and one for qualified not-for-profit healthcare facilities. Adjustment applications opened on April 12, 2021. Adjustments are not an exemption from the law, but a temporary increase in the qualified building emissions limit to allow extra time for compliance. Eligibility requirements for each type of adjustment must be met as described in the law. A full application filing guide is provided by NYC Sustainable Buildings.

Earth Day is on April 22nd. Have you thought about how you will be celebrating? Most businesses forget that there is an Earth Day. Still, it is an excellent time to evaluate your business plan and incorporate both renewable energy and sustainability into your business model. Protect the environment, lower your operational costs, and set an excellent example by consciously choosing to participate in Earth Day. Keep reading to learn three ways your business in Boston, MA can celebrate Earth Day: hosting corporate sustainability training, investing in electric vehicles, and conducting an energy efficiency audit. 

The winter energy crisis in Texas earlier this year cost many businesses several weeks of revenue and maintenance costs as the Texas energy infrastructure failed. As a result, business owners everywhere might worry about how an energy crisis might affect their own business. A proactive plan that considers extreme weather and unexpected events is essential to the long-term success of your company. Read on to learn more about the benefits that a sustainable microgrid project will bring to your New York City-area business. 

Get ready to start seeing some new letters posted in building lobbies. Local Law 33 (amended by Local Law 95) requires that eligible buildings larger than 25,000 square feet post Building Energy Efficiency Rating labels by October 31^st.