Nearly $28 million has been allocated to support 10 energy efficiency and electrification projects under New York State’s Empire Building Challenge, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The initiative aims to modernize multifamily buildings across the state, impacting more than 123 million square feet of real estate and over 123,000 residential units, including upwards of 13,000 affordable housing units.
The selected projects are expected to leverage more than $150 million in private investment and introduce innovative building solutions that could reduce fossil fuel use by up to 100 percent. These upgrades also seek to improve living conditions for residents and lower operating costs for property owners.
“New York State is once again leading by example and tackling one of the largest energy consumers — large buildings,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to the support and partnership of the real estate industry, the Empire Building Challenge has spurred innovative demonstration projects that are driving building modernization across the state, and these multifamily projects are just another step forward toward a cleaner, healthier future for all New Yorkers.”
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), each project can receive up to $3 million. Of the 22 showcase buildings included in this round, 17 are located in disadvantaged communities as identified by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group. The goal is to ensure these areas benefit from better energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and reduced operational costs.
“The Empire Building Challenge has been a tremendous public-private partnership, unlocking private investment to help modernize and improve New York State’s large buildings. The projects announced today expand our impact by providing a model for multifamily buildings around the state to transition to clean, healthy living spaces through the adoption of low-carbon building solutions,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris.
Projects awarded span various regions and building types:
– Ascendant Neighborhood Development will deploy thermal storage and geothermal systems in urban affordable housing.
– Chartered Properties plans full electrification using thermal storage heat exchange in Brooklyn residences.
– FirstService Residential will focus on reducing energy use in a high-rise mixed-use condominium.
– HANAC targets energy savings in senior housing with HVAC improvements.
– Joint Ownership Entity NYC aims for comprehensive decarbonization with enhanced ventilation.
– RiseBoro Community Partnership combines mechanical upgrades with heat-recovery systems.
– Rudin Management demonstrates savings in a large mixed-use Manhattan building.
– Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation seeks replicable strategies for its portfolio.
– Syracuse Housing Authority integrates HVAC into upgraded envelopes for electrification.
– WinnDevelopment uses geothermal systems for senior housing electrification.
Details about each project are available on NYSERDA’s website.
With this announcement, EBC now supports 19 demonstration projects involving 27 real estate leaders who oversee about 400 million square feet of commercial and multifamily properties statewide. Collectively, these partners have committed to decarbonizing more than 128 million square feet of space. Their portfolios include over 200,000 housing units throughout New York.
State Senator Kevin Parker stated: “As Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues to establish the policy framework and funding pathways that make initiatives like the Empire Building Challenge possible. Today’s announcement is a clear example of how NYSERDA continues to deliver on our clean energy vision by driving innovation that benefits everyday New Yorkers. These projects will help reduce fossil fuel use, improve the quality of our housing, and most importantly, lower energy costs for families who are too often burdened by high utility bills. By ensuring disadvantaged communities are prioritized, we are creating a pathway where the clean energy transition not only protects our environment but also puts money back into the pockets of those who need it most.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh added: “These funds are an important part of our ongoing commitment to make the critical transition to a clean, efficient, reliable, affordable energy system, while promoting innovation and ensuring that property owners are not unduly burdened with the cost of the transition. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Doreen Harris and her colleagues at NYSERDA, and all the property owners, contractors, architects, and engineers for stepping up to the challenge!”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said: “Housing and energy efficiency go hand-in-hand. Creating a more affordable New York includes investing in green initiatives that put money back in the hands of New Yorkers while fostering a more sustainable state. The Empire Building Challenge does exactly that. As the federal government works overtime to reverse decades of environmental progress, New York will continue to lead the way in fighting for a greener, more resilient future for the next generation.”
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine commented: “As our City and State continue to adapt to climate change, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and climate equity must be a top priority. With multiple buildings in Manhattan selected…we are taking steps forward toward a more energy-efficient future…Thank you to Governor Hochul [and others] for making this possible.”
Several members of city government also expressed support for prioritizing sustainability investments in their districts.
In addition to funding new projects under EBC’s latest round,the Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings—an online resource created through partnerships between NYSERDA; Empire State Realty Trust; RMI; Building Energy Exchange; Urban Land Institute; among others—has been updated with new toolkits focusing on heat recovery practices as well as case studies from these demonstration efforts.
Rocky Mountain Institute Principal Phil Keuhn said: “RMI is proud to partner with NYSERDA…to accelerate large-scale building decarbonization…Together we are demonstrating a clear path to transform the building sector while meeting climate goals…”
Building Energy Exchange CEO Richard Yancey noted: “Building Energy Exchange is honored…providing educational programs…sharing stories from EBC partners…We’re thrilled [to] share more viable demonstrations…supporting…the entire building industry…”
ULI Randall Lewis Center Senior Director Kara Kokerna stated: “This third round of funding toward energy efficiency…underscores [EBC’s] commitment…ULI supports this important initiative…and…the updated Retrofit Playbook…”
Buildings remain one of New York’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.More than $5.6 billion has been invested through NYSERDAand utility programs into decarbonizing buildings statewide since program inception.The Clean Energy Fund provides financial backing for such initiatives as part of its broader mission over ten years.New York’s climate agenda targets an emissions-free economy by mid-century while directing at least 35 percent of benefits toward disadvantaged communities.
