Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today
I want to be a part of it - New York, New York......
It’s a familiar tune from Frank Sinatra. In his now famous song, Old “Blue Eyes” crooned the praises of New York. Little did he know that the Big Apple would later capture further attention thanks to climate change.
In a bold initiative, architects and construction workers in New York are going green. Teams are designing and constructing “green” buildings – properties which can save energy costs and reduce dangerous environmental impact. Considering our planet’s environmental woes, doing this is sensible and smart. Not only do these sustainable buildings cost less to build, they are also far cheaper to operate and maintain plus are much more pleasant and safe for occupants. Doing this creates a win-win-win situation.
With the many benefits available, the initiative has garnered a great deal of support. Participating builders are spurred on by tax incentives – the tax incentive cap, of two million dollars per building, is available to those either commercial or residential properties. Offering a sizeable financial reward may seem a bit like bribery; however, doing this seems like just the ticket to inspire plenty of people to get on board with this idea. And, if it works, who can argue?
Proving that green building has no architectural barriers, New York now features numerous environmentally-friendly buildings in numerous industry areas. There is the Eco Depot, Four Times Square (a high-rise office building), the Bronx Library Center, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Tompkins Park North Homes (offering affordable housing).
With this clever Green Building Plan in-place, New York has become the most energy and resource efficient places in the United States … other cities must follow suit. For more on this project, please visit www.dec.ny.gov/energy/218.html.
