NEW YORK--With $75 million currently available in 2011 funding for commercial and industrial companies, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is redoubling efforts to promote energy efficiency, and industry leaders in New York City are leveraging NYSERDA's technology, benchmarking services and incentives to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

NYSERDA technology experts and funding are available to help commercial property owners and large tenants meet the new requirements of New York City's Greener, Greater Buildings Plan legislation, part of the City's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030. Commercial real estate will be affected.

"NYSERDA connects businesses to energy-efficiency solutions and funding that can improve their energy efficiency, reduce their environmental footprint and keep them competitive," said Francis J. Murray, Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA. "NYSERDA has the ability to provide expertise and incentives specific to each project. Large, complex projects are our specialty."

NYSERDA is highlighting cost- and energy-saving efficiency solutions in iconic local properties in a regional campaign to encourage innovative energy efficiency projects in new and existing buildings in New York City, the largest commercial real estate market in the country (US Census), with more than 600 million square feet of commercial office space in the five boroughs.

"NYSERDA is at the intersection of costs and benefits," said Anthony Malkin of the Empire State Building Company, "It plays a leadership and enabling role in making existing buildings the most energy efficient buildings in New York." NYSERDA committed over $1 million in funding to help this New York City icon double the energy savings of the typical energy efficiency improvement.

According to the Assistant VP of Environmental Stewardship Nilda Mesa, NYSERDA is a "essential energy efficiency partner for Columbia University." The University has committed to a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas by 2017. NYSERDA has supported the effort, committing more than $3 million in energy studies and project incentives.

NYSERDA provided the incentives that helped Macy's custom-design LED accent lighting that significantly reduced its energy consumption. "Macy's lowered its display lighting costs by nearly 73 percent-now we're taking the program to Macy's stores nationwide. NYSERDA made it possible," said Bill Lyon, Macy's VP of Energy Management.

NYSERDA's technical experts and contractors conduct energy assessments and work with facility managers, architects and engineers to design and fund energy efficiency solutions. From studies that help customers identify the largest energy drains and the greatest opportunities for energy savings to programs that leverage new technology, NYSERDA brings energy efficiency solutions-and funding vehicles-to planning tables across New York. NYSERDA's New York City office is staffed with experts in energy efficiency technology and incentive opportunities for commercial and industrial building owners.

For more information call 212-364-1933 or 1-866-NYSERDA or visit NYSERDA.org/nyc to download case studies on Macy's, the Empire State Building, Columbia University, and One Penn Plaza.

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

Source: NYSERDA