In an effort to spread awareness on energy efficiency within the residential and commercial development community, New York City is sponsoring training for landlords and building managers to learn how to go green.
Starting in April, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is working with the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the Building Owners and Managers Association of New York and the Urban Green Council to initiate a new program for building managers, superintendents, operators and engineers.
“Energy efficiency and conservation are more important today than ever before. That’s why ensuring that all of our building systems run at peak performance is critical,” said REBNY President John H. Banks, III.
“Our most powerful ally in the journey towards achieving the most energy efficient city possible is education, and Sustainability Boot Camp will focus on improving a highly knowledgeable and well-trained workforce.”
When is it and what will happen?
Sustainability Boot Camp is taking place at REBNY’s headquarters in Midtown, with day-one option for residential property supervisors starting either Saturday, April 2, or Friday, April 15. Day-two options are on Saturday, April 9, or Friday, April 22.
All of the Urban Green Council’s Green Professional Building Skills Training — or GRPO — Operations & Maintenance Essentials classes are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Attendees must select one day from each option, completing two days of instruction in total.
Taught by GPRO Master Trainer Paul Reale and Associate Director of CodeGreen Solutions Melissa Wrolstad, the class is intended to provide training to transition traditional NYC properties into energy-efficient facilities with decreased operating costs.
The courses coincide with Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC plan to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
“Building energy performance depends on how well building owners and operators know how to maximize their energy systems and building components,” said Nilda Mesa, director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “To meet our 80 by 50 goals, we all need to work together, and we are delighted that REBNY, BOMA and the Urban Green Council are our partners in leading the way.”
The mayor and his collaborators also hope the tools provided will help spread knowledge for One City: Built to Last — the green building plan designed to reduce private sector building emissions by 30 percent by 2025.
In addition to cutting back on emissions as part of a greater citywide cause, the course promotes reductions in operating costs, smart maintenance, efficient operations, increased occupancy rates and tenant satisfaction. After receiving GPRO training, building operators and service workers can conservation under Pilot Credit 81.
Green in the city
Some developers and managers jumped on the eco-train almost a decade ago. Related Companies, which operates $20 billion in mixed-used residential, retail and office space in New York City, Chicago, Boston, California and even China, has completed 20 LEED Silver, Gold and Platinum properties, with 30 more underway. conservation is one of its major projects, where Related hopes to include the first U.S. LEED v2009 CS Platinum certified office tower for organic waste collection.
“A major part of our green building pledge is to train our teams to think about how we can make our buildings more sustainable and energy efficient, and that is why we have enrolled 60 staff members, including 20 who work in our affordable housing portfolio, in REBNY’s Sustainability Boot Camp,” said Related’s Charlotte Matthews.
conservation costs $30 per person and includes refreshments.
