According to the United States Department of Energy 2004 Buildings Energy Databook, buildings consume 39% of total energy consumed in the United States, not including the embodied energy consumed to construct the buildings; and buildings consume 71% of total electricity consumed in the US. In NYC, buildings account for 79% of all carbon emissions, according to the Mayor's 2030 PlaNYC.

The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that embodied energy, that energy consumed in the production and transport of materials and equipment used in the construction of buildings, represents another 3-8% of total energy consumption.

Check out the following links for information regarding energy policy and practice in NYC:

Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS)
Compliance with the State Energy Code is required by State law for nearly all buildings in NYC. The ECCCNYS is published by and available from the International Code Council.

• Visit the NYS Energy Code website for a menu of information and tools to assist you in complying with this law and reducing New York City’s reliance on the electrical grid.
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1 of 2004
  ASHRAE 90.1 of 1999 is the basis of the ECCCNYS, Chapter 7. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) also has a multitude of information available through its website.

New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), a resource unique to New York State, has information on energy conservation and can assist with funding for many types of projects. They also provide educational opportunities and training around the State.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers tax credits and deductions for the use of energy-consuming features and appliances in your home or other building, in maintenance, alterations and new construction, as well as for energy conserving automobiles. See this summary of tax incentives and referenced standards.

New York City Energy Policy Task Force, appointed by Mayor Bloomberg in 2003. Scroll down this link for more information on the task force and on energy policy in New York City.

United States Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This is an invaluable site for energy information, energy modeling tools and educational materials.

Local Law 86/2005 is the City's "green buildings law" because it requires new buildings and major alterations to be designed according to LEED standards (see www.USGBC.org for more information on LEED).  In addition, it has higher standards for energy and water consumption, depending upon the above project types or other alterations. Download Local Law 86/2005 (118 kb), and a summary of the requirements (26 kb).

PlaNYC 2030 is Mayor Bloomberg's major planning initiative for the next quarter century. A major goal of the plan is to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, and 80% of these come from buildngs. Read the plan and find out how you can help.