Creation of an Energy Efficiency Program for Businesses - Summer

Team Members: Jenna Lewein, Sarah Burns, Andre Turner, Charlotte Mendez, Christina Paton, Dafna Bareket, Julie Banerjee, Michael Tuckfelt, Mima Mendoza, Nadine Moussallem, Olga Gavryliuk, Tae Eun Ahn 

Energy consumption in New York City represents one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and infrastructure strain, particularly within commercial buildings, which account for a significant share of the city’s electricity demand. Nearly half of the city’s energy is derived from fossil fuels, contributing to climate change, air pollution, and long-term environmental and economic vulnerability. Small businesses face disproportionate challenges in adopting energy efficiency measures due to financial constraints, high operating costs, and limited access to capital for energy-saving technologies. Int. 1515 addresses this gap by allowing small businesses to apply civil penalty payments toward investments in energy efficiency improvements, incentivizing adoption of technologies such as LED lighting, efficient appliances, and building retrofits.

Analysis highlights that improving efficiency in small commercial buildings offers substantial potential to reduce emissions, energy costs, and overall system demand while enhancing economic resilience. Life-cycle analysis demonstrates that efficiency upgrades generate long-term financial savings and environmental benefits despite initial investment costs. However, barriers including lack of technical knowledge, financing limitations, and behavioral resistance may hinder implementation. Measuring success requires tracking reductions in energy use, emissions, and business operating costs. The bill contributes to New York City’s broader climate strategy by expanding participation in energy efficiency programs and aligning economic incentives with sustainability goals, demonstrating how targeted policy mechanisms can accelerate emissions reductions while supporting small business competitiveness.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.