Decarbonizing Every Single Building: Ithaca Is Leading the Way
In early November the city of Ithaca, N.Y., took a bold step forward in their climate action plan by voting to electrify and decarbonize its buildings, a first of its kind in the nation. Buildings are one of the top greenhouse gas emitters, accounting for almost 40% of GHG emissions in the US. So while Ithaca’s plan is aggressive, it’s hugely impactful in their community’s fight against climate change. If they are successful they will save about 160,000 tons of carbon dioxide, significantly lowering their overall carbon footprint.
Key Notes:
Funding is provided by private equity, state and federal incentives, manufacturer rebates and philanthropic donations.
The project has two phases: 1,600 buildings then 4,400 buildings.
Effort is part of Ithaca’s broader Green New Deal approved in 2019.
Ithaca has about 30,000 people and 6,000 homes and buildings.
Read the Washington Post story.
Read the CNBC coverage.
BlocPower, a Brooklyn-based company focused on “greening” aging buildings, is managing the project.
“The hardest part is finding the city with the courage to make the commitment.”
Donnel Baird, BlocPower founder