Enormous Potential Seen in NYC for Cost-Effective Energy Retrofits

The first benchmarking report mandated by New York City’s energy ordinance is pinpointing the most promising targets for efficiency projects.

The report breaks out 2010 data by building type for private properties with more than 50,000 square feet (see chart). For all types, the data shows that the most inefficient buildings commonly use three to five times as much energy as the most efficient buildings. In the case of retail buildings, the difference was nearly eight times. For each type, the analysis compared buildings with similar levels of heating and lighting.

While multifamily buildings account for the majority of properties (80%) and square feet (65%) in the city, their proportional energy use is slightly less than half of all energy consumption due to being less energy intensive. However, these buildings’ GHG emissions are a larger share (58%) because of their proportionately greater use of fossil fuel (natural gas) for heating and domestic hot water.

Office buildings in New York account for 11% of properties, nearly 25% of square feet, and more than 33% of energy consumption. However, GHG emissions from office buildings are only 27% because of the predominant use of electricity rather than fossil fuel.

All other building types combined (industrial, schools, hotels, retail) comprise a smaller square footage and energy impact than either the multifamily or office types.

To download the complete report, entitled New York City Local Law 84 Benchmarking Report, go to www.nyc.gov.