Sustainable South Bronx - Spring

Advisor: Gail Suchman

Team Members: Noura Bakkour, Katherine Bush (Manager), Connie Chao, Susanne DesRoches, Sarah Francis, Jessica Haller, Andrew Leach, Molly Lunn (Deputy Manager), Samantha Miller, Erin Morey, Amanda Morrison, Muhammad Rahimoon.

This report explores how green building retrofits can advance both environmental sustainability and economic opportunity in New York City.

The project proposes the Green Retrofit Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program, a workforce development model designed to prepare South Bronx residents for careers in the growing green building sector. The program combines life and workplace skills, technical training in energy- and water-efficiency retrofits, supporting skills, and hands-on experience retrofitting local buildings.

The report also examines partnerships, funding opportunities, industry certifications, and pathways to employment. It recommends a phased job-placement strategy that begins with direct placement and partnerships, expands into a small retrofit business, and ultimately considers the development of an energy service company (ESCO).

At its core, the project demonstrates how workforce development and climate action can work together—creating pathways to employment for underserved communities while improving building efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting a more sustainable South Bronx.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.