Nearly $28 million has been allocated to support 10 energy efficiency and electrification projects across New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The funding is part of the Empire Building Challenge (EBC), a state initiative aimed at modernizing large buildings and reducing fossil fuel use. The awarded partners collectively represent more than 123 million square feet of real estate and over 123,000 multifamily residential units, including more than 13,000 affordable housing units.
According to the Governor’s office, these projects are expected to unlock over $150 million in private investment and attract solution providers from around the world. The initiatives will implement low-carbon building solutions that can reduce fossil fuel use by up to 100 percent while improving comfort for residents and lowering operating costs for building 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.”
The EBC is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Each project received up to $3 million to demonstrate opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily buildings. Of the 22 showcase buildings included in this round, 17 are located in disadvantaged communities as defined by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris stated, “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.”
Awarded projects include efforts by organizations such as Ascendant Neighborhood Development in Harlem; Chartered Properties in Brooklyn; FirstService Residential on Manhattan’s Upper West Side; HANAC in Astoria; Joint Ownership Entity NYC with sites in Manhattan and Bronx; RiseBoro Community Partnership in Brooklyn; Rudin Management on Manhattan’s East Side; Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation in Staten Island; Syracuse Housing Authority; and WinnDevelopment in Amherst.
With this announcement, EBC now supports 19 demonstration projects involving 27 real estate leaders who control approximately 400 million square feet of commercial and multifamily space statewide. These partners have publicly committed to decarbonizing more than 128 million square feet of space.
State Senator Kevin Parker commented, “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.”
Other officials also expressed support for these efforts:
State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “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 stated: “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 said: “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.”
New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala remarked: “This investment is a major win for our community…I’m proud to see East Harlem at the forefront of climate innovation…I thank Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their continued commitment.”
New York City Council Member Gale Brewer added: “I am proud that 111 West 67th Street…has been selected as part of…the Empire Building Challenge….I commend Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their leadership….”
New York City Council Member Yusuf Salaam said: “I want to thank Governor Hochul…for their commitment…Here in Harlem,…projects on East 132nd,…131st,…and 116th Streets will ensure that our residents—many…in affordable housing—benefit directly from healthier,…more sustainable homes….”
Council Members Shaun Abreu and Chi Ossé also praised these investments as steps toward affordability alongside environmental goals.
The Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings was updated alongside this announcement with new case studies from these demonstration projects as well as additional resources focusing on heat recovery strategies.
Launched last year through partnerships between NYSERDA (NYSERDA), Empire State Realty Trust Inc., RMI (RMI), Building Energy Exchange (Building Energy Exchange), Urban Land Institute (Urban Land Institute) among others—the Playbook offers technical information supporting low-carbon retrofits across commercial real estate sectors.
Rocky Mountain Institute Principal Phil Keuhn stated: “RMI is proud to partner with NYSERDA…to accelerate large-scale building decarbonization….Together we are demonstrating a clear path….”
Building Energy Exchange CEO Richard Yancey added: “Building Energy Exchange is honored…providing educational programs…, sharing amazing stories from EBC partners….We’re thrilled…to share more viable demonstrations….”
ULI Randall Lewis Center Senior Director Kara Kokerna commented: “This third round of funding toward energy efficiency underscores [EBC’s] commitment….ULI supports this important initiative….”
Buildings account for much greenhouse gas emissions statewide; since its inception over $5.6 billion has been invested via NYSERDA programs into decarbonizing structures using high-efficiency electric heating/cooling technologies.
Funding comes from NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Fund which totals $6 billion over ten years.
New York aims for an emissions-free economy by mid-century through measures spanning several sectors including buildings.
