Ways to Save

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Explore ways you can improve efficiency in your building, enhance occupant comfort, and save energy and money.

Looking for more information on ways to save? Visit the Building Energy Exchange website, with new features to help you find case studies, events, trainings, and more.

Take a look at the high-performance technology that can help boost your building's performance.

See how making upgrades to your steam heating system can make it more reliable and efficient.

Learn how to stop drafts in apartments and common areas, as well as elevator and stairwell roof vents.

Financing

A variety of programs are available in New York to help you pay for energy efficiency upgrades and water conservation measures. Contact us for more information and assistance in finding a financing solution that suits your building and your needs.

City Financing

NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Preservation Finance programs provide financing to facilitate the physical and financial sustainability and affordability of privately owned multifamily buildings throughout New York City. In addition, HPD recently launched the Green Housing Preservation Program to provide no- and low-cost financing for energy efficiency and water conservation improvements, along with moderate rehabilitation work, for small- to mid-sized multifamily buildings that are greater than 5 units and less than 50,000 square feet (approximately 50 units).

NYC Housing Development Corporation's (HDC) Program for Energy Retrofit Loans offers financing for energy efficiency improvements and fuel conversions for multifamily properties currently in HDC and HPD's portfolio. HDC is a public benefit corporation created by the New York state legislature to provide financing for multifamily affordable housing. Contact info@nychdc.com for more information.

NYC Retrofit Accelerator Qualified Lenders

The following lenders have been qualified by the NYC Retrofit Accelerator and can provide financing for a variety of projects. Contact us to learn more about which firm is right for your project. If you are interested in becoming a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Qualified Lender, see the Request for Qualification posting on the City Record.

The New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) is a non‐profit dedicated to financing energy efficiency and clean energy projects in both multifamily and commercial buildings. NYCEEC works with incentive providers and financial partners like the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and utilities to finance many deep and high return retrofits. NYCEEC can finance up to 100 percent of project costs, including construction and soft costs, and bridge incentive payments to match construction milestones. NYCEEC provides loans starting at $50,000 and up to $6 million.
Contact Posie Constable for more information: 646-797-4615, pconstable@nyceec.com
Ascentium Capital provides access to a broad array of financing structures without having to deal with complicated application procedures. A specialized finance team provides a consultative approach to suit each organization’s cash flow needs. Ascentium can offer financing from $10,000 to $2 million—requiring only an application up to $250,000, financing agreements and working capital loans, deferred payment options, and 100 percent financing to cover soft costs such as shipping, tax, and installation.
Contact Josh Patton for more information: 281-902-1969, JoshPatton@AscentiumCapital.com
Barrett Capital Corporation, a private finance company, has been providing lending, leasing, and advisory services for 30 years. Barrett Capital focuses on funding clean energy and energy efficiency projects and associated construction/bridge loans. Barrett Capital is a Participating Lender with NYSERDA. Barrett Capital has a particular focus on offering cooperative corporations, condominium associations, and other multifamily buildings unsecured financing and shared savings arrangements with no up-front cost options.
Contact Barry Korn for more information: 212-319-8400, bkorn@barrettcapital.com
Byline provides 100 percent financing for energy efficiency retrofit projects of all types and sizes, including a wide variety of commercial and non-profit clients. Byline’s credit process is streamlined to provide credit decisions in 24 hours or less for transactions under $125,000. Transactions up to $500,000 generally take less than one business week for credit decisions. Larger transactions are considered on a case-by-case basis and require additional underwriting criteria.
Contact Ross Reida for more information: 503-807-214, rreida@bylinefinancialgroup.com
The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) is a nonprofit affordable housing and community revitalization finance company. CPC’s process pairs in-house technical expertise with innovative financing strategies to help owners understand sustainability opportunities in their buildings. Financing is available for large efficiency projects or simple improvements as a part of a broader rehabilitation or capital investments. CPC offers capital solutions from acquisition and refinancing to construction and permanent loans.
Contact Elizabeth Derry for more information: 646-822-9427, EDerry@communityp.com
Habitat for Humanity NYC Community Fund was created in 2017 with the mission to promote community development and expand the availability, viability and livability of affordable housing by providing financing and technical assistance. The Community Fund’s financial products are designed to meet the needs of our target market: low-to-moderate income New Yorkers. The Community Fund has designed products for stability and sustainability, including green retrofits, the repayment of municipal arrears, capital repairs and improvements, rehabilitation, systems upgrade, pre-development, or construction.

Contact Christopher Illum for more information: 646-604-4673 or communityfund@habitatnyc.org
M-Core™ Credit Corporation is a full-service asset-based lender, primarily focused on financing energy retrofits, sustainable energy projects, and equipment for businesses. M-Core provides services to both equipment end-users and vendors that sell and install the equipment. M-Core Credit has financed energy projects in the multifamily and commercial segments since the 1990s.
Contact Michael Wiseberg for more information: 845-369-8777 x221, Michael@M-CoreCredit.com
Original Energy Capital Solutions provides senior and mezzanine debt financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy generation projects. Original’s goal is to help create the right capital mix that allows each project to be successful. Original can underwrite and structure complex deals from both a financial and technical perspective, and the team understands how energy efficiency impacts property owners and project developers.
Contact Brian McKinley for more information: 914-847-0255, bmckinley@oecapitalsolutions.com
SparkFund provides flexible financing solutions for small to medium sized energy efficiency projects. SparkFund integrates financing into partner networks—contractors, manufacturers, OEMs, and ESCOs—to create customized financing solutions for commercial and non-profit customers. SparkFund’s financing mechanisms include several payment plan options including leases and loans. SparkFund's online tools, resources, and sales trainings can help partners offer upgrades at no upfront cost to the customer.
Contact Virginia Hewitt for more information: 202-733-5625, virginia@sparkfund.com

Fuel Oil Conversion Financing

Many buildings will be able to convert to a cleaner fuel with relatively minor upfront cost, while others may incur more significant costs. Several considerations may determine whether financing is needed and, if so, what financing is available. Download a conversion financing guide to learn more and contact a lender that can provide financing for clean heat conversion.

Green O&M Training Hub

Looking for a short course?
The NYC Retrofit Accelerator offers
one- to two-day hands-on training
sessions for building operators.

Whether you’re a building owner, property manager, superintendent, or other building staff member, the NYC Retrofit Accelerator’s Green O&M Training Hub will help you find trainings for operations and maintenance (O&M) staff that will best fit your needs. For more information about these courses, contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator.

To learn more about the local organizations that provide training in NYC, view our list of training course providers.

For additional resources, view our list of educational resources.

Click on the training titles below for descriptions of courses and links to NYC-area training providers.

Basic Green O&M Trainings

NYC Retrofit Accelerator Hands-on Training

NYC RETROFIT ACCELERATOR

The NYC Retrofit Accelerator provides one- and two-day courses for New York City building managers, superintendents, building operators, maintainers, and other staff on specific systems that help will help them to operate their buildings more efficiently.

Trainees learn how to:

Diagnose energy and water efficiency challenges in their buildings
Implement no- to low-cost energy solutions
Schedule and prioritize projects
Find funding to help finance projects covered in the trainings

Courses Cover:

Heating and Air Sealing (2 days, $50)
How to test, repair, install, and troubleshoot a variety of heating-related equipment. Technologies include steam traps and master vents, TRVs, boiler cleaning and tuning, orifice plates, diagnostic tools, and air sealing.
Water Conservation and Plumbing (1 day, $25)
How to repair water leaks, install water-conserving technologies, and assess energy and cost savings.
Energy Efficiency Electrical (1 day, $25)
How to conduct lighting audits, perform basic retrofits, find efficient electrical appliances, and install control devices.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course	5–10	None	$25–$50

For current and future training opportunities:

View All Training Providers

Visit NYCRetrofitTraining.eventbrite.com or
Call 212.656.9202 or email training@nycretrofit.org to learn more about this training.

Green Professionals Building Skills Training: Operations & Maintenance Essentials

URBAN GREEN COUNCIL │ U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

Green Professionals (GPRO) Building Skills Training: Operations & Maintenance Essentials (GPRO O&M) provides building professionals with the critical tools needed to transition from conventional to sustainable operations. GPRO O&M is ideal for property managers and building staff in multifamily residential & high-rise commercial buildings.

Course Covers:

Fundamentals of high performance design and construction
Understanding NYC Energy auditing and Retro-Commissioning requirements
Using building metrics to improve performance
Minimizing energy use through energy-efficient lighting
Strategies for improving the building envelope
Employing strategies for more efficient and cost effective heating and cooling systems
Reducing water use

For more information on GPRO, visit Urban Green Council.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	14	GPRO O+M	$0*-$350+

For current and future training opportunities through NYC-area providers:

* Note: 32BJ offers free GPRO training to its members who pay into the 32BJ Training Fund.

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

NYC Building Operator Training

CUNY BUILDING PERFORMANCE LAB │ NYC SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES

The NYC Building Operator Training improves the skills of operations and maintenance staff working in New York City’s small to mid-sized residential buildings (between 5-50 units). The training includes an overview of critical building systems with an emphasis on preventative maintenance and energy efficiency. The program is an initiative of the NYC Department of Small Business Services and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, in partnership with The City University of New York Building Performance Lab.

Course Covers:

Building systems, including heating, electrical, and water systems
Preventative maintenance of equipment
Best practice energy efficiency measures
Safety, compliance, and emergency management

Courses are offered at NO COST to building staff for all eligible participants at locations throughout New York City. Course curriculum materials are provided in Spanish and English. For each staff member who completes training, employers can receive up to $700 reimbursement for implementing select energy efficiency project(s). Open enrollment courses are available on certain dates for supers and building operators who want to join; or an employer enrolling 10+ employees can reserve a course.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	30	None	$0

For current and future training opportunities:

View All Training Providers

NYC Building Operator Training

More Rigorous Green O&M Trainings

Buildings Performance Institute: Multifamily Building Operator

BUILDING PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE

The Building Performance Institute Multifamily Building Operator certification is a skills- and competency-based credentialing program for multifamily building operators. The course applies building science principles to operations and maintenance strategies that can increase efficiency, improve building comfort, ensure occupant safety, and save money. This credential is earned by taking an exam.

Course Covers:

Fundamentals of high-performance buildings
Heating and cooling system operations and maintenance, including airflow and ventilation management and preventative maintenance
Electric energy efficiency
Water conservation
Green cleaning, recycling, and integrated pest management

For more information about the course and exam, visit BPI.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	35-40	BPI Multifamily Building Operator	Exam: $250-$500 Course: $0*-$1200+

For current and future training opportunities through NYC-area providers:

*32BJ offers free training to its members who pay into the 32BJ Training Fund

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Operations Certification I & II

BUILDING OPERATIONS CERTIFICATION

Building staff can earn a Level I or Level II Building Operations Certification (BOC). To earn a Level I BOC, participants must take six core classes and one supplemental course that focus on the topics of HVAC controls, common opportunities for operational improvements, and building scoping for energy efficiency. Classes consist of lecture, discussion, small group exercises, and facility tours. To earn a Level II Training Certificate of Completion, participants must attend four core classes and at least two supplemental classes, complete class tests, and assigned projects.

Core Courses cover:

Locating building equipment, distribution pathways, and control points
Calculating facility energy consumption
Critiquing HVAC systems operation
Sketching the facility’s electrical distribution system

Supplemental Courses cover:

For more information about this course and certification, visit BOC.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	74 (BOC-1) 61 (BOC-2)	BOC-1 BOC-2	$300*-$2150+

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

*Local 94 offers discounted courses for their members.

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

LEED AP O&M│U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) supports implementing sustainable practices, improving performance, heightening efficiency, and reducing environmental impact in existing buildings through enhanced operations and maintenance. The LEED AP-certified building operator gains advanced knowledge in specialized areas of green building and LEED certification and is suited for practitioners actively working on LEED projects. Candidates must have earned the LEED Green Associate credential.

Course Covers:

Key topics including: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and design
Successful green building and LEED strategies
Opportunities to learn and practice through recognition, application, and analysis
How to identify the key components of the LEED O&M Rating System

For more information on LEED AP, visit USGBC.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	8-14+	LEED AP O&M	Exam: $550 ($400 for USGBC members) Course: $0*-$350+

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

*32BJ offers free training to its members who pay into the 32BJ Training Fund

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Owners and Managers International Certificates and Designations

BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS INTERNATIONAL

Building Owners and Managers International (BOMI) designation and certificate programs provide trainees with a deep understanding of how to increase the value of properties, operate facilities at peak efficiency, and apply this knowledge to their everyday jobs.

Courses Cover:

The Building Systems Maintenance Certificate (SMC) training is for those who operate and maintain multiple building systems. It provides in-depth information on key building principles, including efficient energy management and water treatment so participants gain a better understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and other building systems that work together to provide a comfortable indoor environment.
The Building Energy Certificate (BEC) training is for practitioners in operational and system maintenance roles and covers foundational concepts that relate to reducing energy consumption and developing the skills to implement sustainability efforts in the built environment.
The Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA) designation training is for those who are in charge of a team of technicians who run the day-to-day operation of a building and focuses on ways to streamline the operations in order to manage energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective building systems.
The Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT) designation training is for those who maintain major building systems, such as heating, refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing. Participants learn about the technologies and trends in the maintenance field so they are able to maximize the efficiency and safety of their building systems.

For more information visit BOMI.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	24-30+	BOMI SMC, BOMI BEC, BOMI SMA, BOMI SMT	$300+ per course(certificates require multiple courses)

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Re-Tuning

CUNY BUILDING PERFORMANCE LAB │ PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LAB

The CUNY Building Performance Lab (BPL) Building Re-Tuning (BRT) Training provides 15 hours of classroom instruction and a facility-based project. It is intended for advanced building operations and management professionals, energy managers, energy service providers, and others in related fields.

Course Covers:

Objectives and implementation of the building re-tuning process
Identifying systems for re-tuning and the associated data requirements
Setting up trend logs and graphical plots
Learning how to interpret graphical representations to diagnose common system operating faults
Planning for a long-term building operations improvement process

The course also includes a facility-based project that focuses on implementation of a re-tuning process in participants’ buildings, with corresponding weekly assignments to help students through the process step by step. In order to complete the final project, it is strongly suggested that participants should have access to a Building Automation System (BAS) or otherwise be able to obtain BAS trend log data.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	15	None	Upon Request

View All Training Providers

For current and future training opportunities:

CUNY Building Performance Lab (BPL)

Resources

Green Building O&M Training Providers in New York City

The green building O&M trainings listed above are offered by the following local providers in New York City:

The 32BJ Green Building Training Program. This program is offered through 32BJ Training Fund, part of the local 32BJ chapter of the Service Employees International Union (32BJ SEIU). The program offers a range of course options from those developed by 32BJ to other courses that teach to industry certifications. The 32BJ Training Fund offers these courses at no cost to members whose employers contribute to the fund. Visit the 32BJ Green Building Training program page for more information.

Association for Energy Affordability (AEA). AEA’s education encompasses both formal and informal training offerings, including certification training, multifamily weatherization training, and related courses delivered on-site and via its Distance Learning Network. AEA offers more than 50 courses for building performance professionals, energy efficiency and technical and program staff, installers, weatherization workers, and job seekers in green industries. For more information, visit AEA Education.

The Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex). BE-Ex is the education and information hub of the NYC Retrofit Accelerator. BE-Ex is a non-profit organization created by the City of New York that provides support for the building industry through energy and lighting efficiency education, topical events, technical exhibits, research, and networking opportunities. BE-Ex’s four-part Green Light training series provides building industry stakeholders with the information needed to execute successful lighting retrofits. Visit the BE-Ex online web portal or visit in person at 31 Chambers Street, 6th Floor in Manhattan, NY.

City University of New York Building Performance Lab (CUNY BPL). CUNY’s Building Performance Lab works to advance high-performance building operations through training, workforce development, and research. They are a leading provider of Building Operator Certification and offer a wide range of other trainings. Visit CUNY BPL for more information about their offerings.

City University of New York (CUNY). In addition to the Building Performance Lab, CUNY offers courses at its campuses citywide on a wide array of topics related to energy efficiency, renewables, and building operations and maintenance. LaGuardia Community College may have relevant course offerings. For up-to-date course listings citywide, please see the CUNY Course Catalog.

Green Jobs Training Center. The Green Jobs Training Center provides training courses and expertise in building sciences, health and safety, energy efficiency, state utility programs for residential and commercial buildings, renewable energy, and more. They also offer courses and coaching to educate workers as green job candidates. For more information, visit the Green Jobs Training Center.

The Local 94 Training Fund. This training fund provides all Local 94 members with optional courses on topics including energy conservation, green building, and high efficiency low-pressure boilers. The Local 94 Training Fund is available at no cost to members whose employers contribute to the fund. Visit Local 94’s Training Fund site for more information.

Solar One. Solar One is a New York City-based nonprofit that offers programs promoting urban sustainability and education. Solar One’s Green Workforce Training Program offers green technical training and industry-recognized trainings and certification courses for green building operations and maintenance and energy efficiency. Visit Solar One’s Green Workforce page for more information.

Urban Green Council (UGC). UGC is the New York City affiliate of the U.S. Green Building Council. UGC offers a range of training opportunities, including their popular Green Professionals training course, which is a 14-hour practical introduction to green building operations for building operators and managers that includes a certificate exam. UGC also offers regular webinars and trainings on how to comply with Local Laws 87 and 88. Visit UGC’s Education page for other training opportunities.

Are we missing something? Want help finding training opportunities?
Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Educational Resources

Educational resources are available through the Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex), which is the education and information hub of the NYC Retrofit Accelerator. BE-Ex offers ongoing programs, events, and trainings on a variety of building energy efficiency topics at their Learning Center in lower Manhattan. Visit the BE-Ex online web portal or visit BE-Ex in person at 31 Chambers Street, 6th Floor in Manhattan, NY.

GreeNYC is New York City’s public education program dedicated to informing, engaging, and mobilizing New Yorkers to take simple, meaningful steps to reduce their energy use and live more sustainable lifestyles. Visit GreeNYC online to get tips or follow GreeNYC’s mascot, Birdie, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The NYC Carbon Challenge is the City’s voluntary program for private and institutional sector leaders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30‒50 percent in 10 years. Visit the NYC Carbon Challenge website to find educational resources, including case studies of Challenge participants and a Handbook for Multifamily Buildings.

Building Energy Local Laws

The NYC Retrofit Accelerator is available to assist owners and decision-makers of buildings that must comply with New York City’s building energy local laws. These include:

Energy and Water Use Benchmarking and Disclosure of Energy Efficiency Scores and Grades. New York City’s Local Law 84 of 2009 mandates annual energy and water use benchmarking for buildings over 50,000 square feet in gross floor area and properties with two or more buildings on a tax lot that measure over 100,000 square feet in gross floor area. In 2016, the City expanded this requirement to mid-size buildings between 25,000 square feet and 50,000 square feet (Local Law 133 of 2016). Starting in 2020, Local Law 33 mandates building owners display their energy efficiency grade, ranging from A-F, conspicuously at public entrances. The grade will be based on the rating earned using the United States Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. For more information, visit the City’s Benchmarking page.

Energy Audits & Retro-commissioning. New York City’s Local Law 87 of 2009 requires buildings greater than 50,000 square feet in gross floor area to complete an energy audit and retro-commissioning measures once every 10 years. For more information, visit the City’s Energy Audits and Retro-commissioning page.

Lighting Upgrades. New York City’s Local Law 88 of 2009 requires lighting upgrades in non-residential buildings greater than 50,000 square feet in gross floor area. In 2016, the City expanded this requirement to require lighting upgrades for commercial buildings between 25,000 square feet and 50,000 square feet as well as in common spaces in multifamily buildings (Local Law 134 of 2016). For more information, visit the City’s Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering page.

Sub-metering. New York City’s Local Law 88 of 2009 (LL88) requires the installation of energy sub-metering in tenant spaces greater than 10,000 square feet. In 2016, the City expanded this requirement to include sub-metering for all non-residential tenant spaces over 5,000 square feet in area (Local Law 132 of 2016). For more information, visit the City’s Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering page.

Clean Heat Regulations. In 2011, the Department of Environmental Protection issued regulations that require all buildings burning No. 4 heating fuel oil to convert to a cleaner fuel (natural gas, ultra-low sulfur No. 2 oil, biodiesel, or steam) upon boiler or burner retirement or by January 1, 2030, whichever is sooner. For a summary of these regulations, visit the Clean Heat Regulations page.

Ways to Save

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Explore ways you can improve efficiency in your building, enhance occupant comfort, and save.

Renewable Energy and On-Site Generation

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Renewable Energy and On-Site Generation

Get Cash Back for Renewable Energy and On-site Generation

Several programs offer cash incentives or grants for upgrading to renewable energy and on-site generation. Ask a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Efficiency Advisor for details.

Installing renewable energy sources and other equipment that can produce energy on-site can reduce a building’s reliance on fossil fuels. It can also provide a power supply that is more reliable during emergencies, like a blackout.

Solar Photovoltaic

Systems that convert sunlight into electricity are known as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems or solar panels. Installing solar PV reduces the need to purchase electricity from a utility. And any excess electricity produced can be credited to a building’s utility bill.

Now is a great time to consider solar—state incentives like NYSERDA funds, coupled with tax incentives from the City, state, and federal governments can cover as much as 80 percent of the costs of solar panels.

You can install solar PV on individual buildings. Or you can participate in a community solar program, like:

Solarize programs. These help potential solar customers use group purchasing power to reduce installation prices by up to 10 to 20 percent. Two options in New York City include the NYC Solar Partnership’s Solarize NYC program and Solar One’s Here Comes Solar program.
Community-shared solar programs. For building owners and renters without adequate roof space for solar PV, these programs offer subscriptions to portions of a large solar array located on- or off-site at another building. The Shared Solar NYC program offers this for building owners and multifamily renters.

Online Interactive NY Solar Map

The NY Solar Map is a free interactive map that displays every building in New York State’s solar potential, possible savings, and relevant incentive and tax benefit programs. Check it out here.

Solar Thermal

Solar hot water heaters—also known as solar thermal systems—use the sun’s energy to heat water for use within a building. These systems are typically connected to an existing hot water system to provide between 25–80 percent of a building’s hot water needs. Get more information about solar thermal pump systems here.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pump systems—also known as ground source heat pumps—use the relatively stable temperature of the earth to provide both heating and cooling. Get more information about geothermal heat pump systems here.

Combined Heat and Power

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems—also known as co-generation—generate electricity on-site for a building. They burn fuel—typically natural gas—and use the excess heat to provide space heating or hot water. These systems achieve up to 80 percent fuel efficiency as compared to electricity generated by a power plant, which is just 15 to 45 percent efficient. CHP systems can also provide back-up power in the event of an emergency, providing electricity to operate a building’s critical functions like elevators, water pumps, and emergency lighting.

Renewable Energy and On-Site Generation Resources

Ready to Start Saving on Renewable Energy?

Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Heating

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Heating

Get Cash Back for Heating Upgrades

Several programs offer cash incentives for upgrading your heating system. Ask a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Efficiency Advisor for details.

The energy used to create heat accounts for more than 30 percent of energy use from large buildings in New York City, and almost half of the energy use from a typical large multifamily building. Upgrades to the heating system—combined with proper operations and equipment maintenance—can significantly reduce energy use, save money, and help residents feel more comfortable.

Central Heating Systems

Central heating systems include a centralized heating source—typically a boiler—and a system of pipes or ducts to distribute heat throughout the building. Addressing the heating system as a whole instead of individual components allows for greater efficiency and cost savings over time.

Boilers are the most common type of central heating equipment in New York City buildings. Boilers burn fossil fuels—typically natural gas or heating oil—to create heat. To increase boiler efficiency and reduce fossil fuels use, you can:

Heating Oil Conversions

Does your building burn No. 4 heating oil? You will have to comply with the City’s regulation requiring buildings to convert to cleaner fuels by 2030, or at time of boiler or burner replacement, whichever is sooner. Get details about heating oil conversions.

Tune up your boiler to ensure it is operating efficiently.
Retrofit existing controls or install new ones, and add heat sensors to regulate the boiler.
Upgrade to a more efficient boiler, such as an ENERGY STAR® boiler.
Install a linkageless burner and draft controls to increase the efficiency of the boiler.
Convert away from heavy heating oil to a cleaner fuel.

There are additional high-impact, low-cost measures to address the efficiency of the heating distribution system. You can:

Install temperature sensors to better monitor and balance heat distribution.
Install smart thermostats that automate temperatures for more balanced heat distribution.
Install pipe and boiler insulation to reduce the loss of heat through pipes.
Install variable speed drives to reduce fan and pump speeds.

There are also a range of upgrades specifically for steam heating distribution systems. Learn more about steam heating system upgrades.

Heat Pump Systems

Air source and ground source heat pump systems are additional options that can provide both central heating and cooling to a building. Air source heat pumps are essentially high efficiency air conditioning systems that are able to run in reverse to provide heat during the winter. Ground source heat pumps use the relatively stable temperature of the earth to provide heating and cooling. Installing an air source or a ground source heat pump offers a cleaner source of energy than typical fossil fuel-based heating systems.

To make the most of heating system upgrades, improve the building envelope by adding insulation or sealing air leaks to help keep warm air inside.

Heating Resources

Ready to Start Saving on Heating?

Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Cooling

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Cooling

Get Cash Back for Cooling Upgrades

Several programs offer cash incentives for upgrading your central or non-central cooling system. Ask a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Efficiency Advisor for details.

The energy used for cooling accounts for almost 10 percent of the energy use from a typical large building in New York City. There are many options for improving cooling efficiency.

Central Cooling Systems

Central cooling systems include central chilled water systems—which consist of chillers, cooling towers, and other equipment—or base-building condenser water loops that serve the entire building. If you have one of these cooling systems in your building, you can:

Upgrade the chiller to a higher efficiency model.
Optimize temperature sensors and controls for the chiller plant.
Install a building management system (BMS) to better control temperatures based on sensor feedback from multiple occupant spaces.
Monitor and calibrate supplemental cooling equipment, which are typically found in resident spaces.
Install variable frequency drives on motors and pumps that distribute conditioned air and/or chilled water throughout the building.

Additional measures can improve the cooling system as a whole. You can:

Install insulation on pipes and ducts to reduce heat loss.
Seal loose connections in ductwork to prevent air leaks.
Ensure air filters are properly installed and free of debris to improve efficiency.

Non-Central Cooling Systems

Non-central cooling systems provide cooling to individual rooms or specific zones of a building. These systems include packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), window air conditioners, through-wall air conditioners, and air-cooled packaged units. In New York City buildings, non-central cooling systems are more common than central cooling systems. To improve the efficiency of these systems, you can:

Replace old air conditioning units with newer, more efficient models.
Install smart controls on air conditioners to automate temperature settings.
Install unit covers or insulation on room air conditioning units.
Install an air source heat pump to replace a packaged rooftop air conditioner unit.

To make the most of cooling system upgrades, improve the building envelope by adding insulation or sealing air leaks to help keep cool air inside.

Cooling System Resources

Ready to Start Saving on Cooling?

Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Water

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Water

Get Cash Back for Water Upgrades

Several programs offer cash incentives for upgrading your hot water system or reducing water consumption. Ask a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Efficiency Advisor for details.

The energy used to heat hot water accounts for almost a quarter of the energy used in a typical multifamily building. In addition, water consumption often accounts for a significant portion of a building’s operational costs. Upgrading to energy-efficient water heating systems and installing water conservation products can save both energy and water and lead to major cost savings.

Water Heaters and Boilers

If the same boiler that is used for space heating is also used to heat water, upgrades to the heating system may also increase the efficiency of the hot water system. To reduce the energy used to create hot water, you can:

Convert away from heavy heating oil to a cleaner fuel.
Insulate the water storage tank, boiler, and piping to reduce standby losses.
Upgrade to a tankless water heater to minimize heat losses associated with water tanks.
Separate hot water from the boiler and install a discrete hot water system for summer months.

Solar Hot Water Heaters

Solar hot water heaters are installed on the roof and use the sun’s energy to heat water. They are typically connected to existing hot water systems and can provide auxiliary heating that meets 25–80 percent of a building’s hot water needs. Solar hot water heater projects generally benefit buildings that have fewer than 12 stories and require short piping runs, large and unobstructed southern-facing roof spaces, and space for storage tanks.

Water Conservation

Reducing the amount of hot water your building uses is a great way to save energy. To save water and money, you can:

Install high-efficiency WaterSense® labeled showerheads.
Install WaterSense labeled faucet aerators.
Install WaterSense labeled dual-flush, high-efficiency toilets.
Use ENERGY STAR® clothes washers and dishwashers.
Inspect all water-using appliances and building equipment for leaks.

Water Resources

Ready to Start Saving on Water?

Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Lighting

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Lighting

Get Cash Back for Lighting Upgrades

Several programs offer cash incentives for upgrading your lighting. Ask a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Efficiency Advisor for details.

The energy used for lighting accounts for more than 10 percent of energy use from a typical large building in New York City. Lighting upgrades often have some of the quickest payback periods, so you can often recoup the upfront cost in two years or less.

Light Bulbs

Traditional incandescent bulbs waste energy because they create more heat than light. Replacing them with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), or other high-efficiency fluorescent lighting is a simple way to begin saving.

Lighting Controls and Sensors

In many buildings, common areas are lit around the clock, even when no one is around. Lighting controls and sensors automatically turn lights on or off when you need them, which reduces the energy used for lighting as well as electricity costs. You can install:

Vacancy sensors that require someone to manually switch lights on, but automatically shut lights off after the room is vacant for a set period of time
Occupancy sensors that automatically switch lights on when someone enters the room and switch them off when they leave
Timers that switch lights on and off at scheduled times of day
Photocells that sense natural daylight and shut off or dim lights accordingly
Bi-level switching that dims lamps when full lighting is not needed, such as in stairwells

Lighting Resources

Ready to Start Saving on Lighting?

Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Envelope

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Building Envelope

Get Cash Back for Building Envelope Upgrades

Several programs offer cash incentives or grants for upgrading various parts of your building envelope. Ask a NYC Retrofit Accelerator Efficiency Advisor for details.

The building envelope refers to all barriers that separate the inside of a building from the outside, including the roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation. Sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or replacing components of the building envelope will help keep warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer.

Air leakage through the building envelope can cause significant heat loss—often wasting up to 25 percent of the heat produced in multifamily buildings.

Air Sealing and Insulation

Many buildings lose heat as a result of air leakage through room air conditioning units that are left in place or uncovered during the winter. One of the biggest sources of heat loss is air leakage through open vents at the top of elevator shafts and stairwells on the roof. This lost heat can cost multifamily building owners an average estimated $3,400 each year, and taller buildings could spend well over $20,000 on wasted heat. To prevent heat loss, you can:

Cover open elevator shaft vents and stairwell vents with glass.
Install motorized louvers that stay closed unless an alarm system automatically opens them in the event of an emergency.
Remove or cover room air conditioning units during the winter.
Add or replace insulation in walls and on roofs.
Caulk or install weather stripping around windows to eliminate gaps around the frame.

Windows

Windows can account for 10–30 percent of heat loss in multifamily residential buildings. Replacing windows can significantly reduce these losses, although this may have longer paybacks than other efficiency measures. In addition to replacing windows, you can:

Seal gaps or cracks around the frame using caulk, weather stripping, flashing tape, and/or gaskets to reduce air leaks.
Add special coatings to existing windows to improve efficiency.

Roofs and Heat Absorption

Because heat rises, is often lost through a building’s roof in the winter. In the summer, sunlight can heat a flat, black asphalt rooftop to up to 190 degrees. A hot roof will heat the entire building, which causes your cooling system to work harder. To reduce energy waste, you can:

Insulate your roof to prevent heat loss in the winter.
Add a cool roof to reduce heat absorption in the summer by painting your roof with a highly reflective, light colored coating.
Install a green roof to reduce heat absorption by planting a layer of low maintenance plants on the roof.
Install a blue roof to reduce heat absorption and capture and retain rainfall in temporary ponds.

Building Envelope Resources

Roofs and Heat Absorption

Ready to Improve the Building Envelope?
Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Heating Oil Conversions

Ways to Save Energy and Water

Heating Oil Conversions

The NYC Retrofit Accelerator continues the mission of NYC Clean Heat, a successful program that provided guidance to help building owners convert off of No. 6 and No. 4 heavy heating oil to cleaner fuels.

In April 2011, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection issued regulations requiring buildings with certain sized boilers, typically found in buildings 40,000 square feet or larger, to convert from No. 6 and No. 4 heavy heating oils to cleaner fuels. The deadline for converting off of No. 6 heating oil was June 30, 2015. The City achieved 100 percent compliance with the regulation, due largely to the direct assistance provided through NYC Clean Heat.

Buildings still burning No. 4 oil must switch to a cleaner fuel by 2030 or during boiler or burner replacement, whichever is sooner. Buildings have four alternative fuels to choose from: ultra-low sulfur (ULS) No. 2 oil, biodiesel, natural gas, or steam.

ULS No. 2 Oil

Converting to ULS No. 2 oil typically involves less upfront investment than converting to natural gas. Most burners that can use No. 4 oil can also burn ULS No. 2 oil and biodiesel, but tanks must be cleaned—and possibly retrofitted—first. Typically, conversion costs are low unless your building needs a new burner or oil tank.

ULS No. 2 Oil Blended with Biodiesel

ULS No. 2 oil can be made cleaner by blending it with biodiesel, a renewable fuel that comes mostly from vegetable and soybean oil. ULS No. 2 oil blended with 20 percent or more biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a multifamily building by up to 20 percent. The conversion process is nearly identical to a ULS No. 2 oil conversion. As an added benefit, biodiesel users are eligible for an income tax credit from New York State through the end of 2016.

Natural Gas

Converting from No. 4 oil to natural gas can reduce a typical multifamily building’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 percent. Converting from oil to natural gas requires planning. Most buildings need six to 12 months to evaluate internal conversion costs, coordinate with utilities to access a gas line, develop a construction timeline, and determine financing for the conversion.

Con Edison Area Growth Zones

Con Edison has identified certain zones, called Area Growth Zones, throughout New York City in which the utility plans to expand its natural gas infrastructure in 2017. If your building falls within these zones, you may be eligible to connect to firm (uninterruptible) gas service with one entry point and pay no additional cost for the connection. Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator for more information.

District Steam

Buildings located in Manhattan on either the west side south of 96th Street or the east side south of 86th Street may have access to Con Edison’s district steam delivery system. Connecting to Con Edison’s system eliminates the need for on-site boilers and can free up valuable space for other uses. Converting to district steam can be particularly attractive if existing boilers are approaching the end of their useful lives or are in need of costly improvements.

Do you use heating oil to heat space or water? If so, upgrades to your heating and cooling systems may boost your building’s overall energy efficiency.

Air Quality Benefits of Heating Oil Conversions

Today, New York City’s air is cleaner than it has been in 50 years—preventing over 800 premature deaths and 2,000 hospital visits annually.

Heating Oil Conversion Resources

Ready to Start Saving on Heating Oil Conversions?

Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

NYC Incentive Map

Financing

City Financing

NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Preservation Finance programs provide financing to facilitate the physical and financial sustainability and affordability of privately owned multifamily buildings throughout New York City. In addition, HPD recently launched the Green Housing Preservation Program to provide no- and low-cost financing for energy efficiency and water conservation improvements, along with moderate rehabilitation work, for small- to mid-sized multifamily buildings that are greater than 5 units and less than 50,000 square feet (approximately 50 units).

NYC Housing Development Corporation's (HDC) Program for Energy Retrofit Loans offers financing for energy efficiency improvements and fuel conversions for multifamily properties currently in HDC and HPD's portfolio. HDC is a public benefit corporation created by the New York state legislature to provide financing for multifamily affordable housing. Contact info@nychdc.com for more information.

NYC Retrofit Accelerator Qualified Lenders

The New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) is a non‐profit dedicated to financing energy efficiency and clean energy projects in both multifamily and commercial buildings. NYCEEC works with incentive providers and financial partners like the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and utilities to finance many deep and high return retrofits. NYCEEC can finance up to 100 percent of project costs, including construction and soft costs, and bridge incentive payments to match construction milestones. NYCEEC provides loans starting at $50,000 and up to $6 million.
Contact Posie Constable for more information: 646-797-4615, pconstable@nyceec.com
Ascentium Capital provides access to a broad array of financing structures without having to deal with complicated application procedures. A specialized finance team provides a consultative approach to suit each organization’s cash flow needs. Ascentium can offer financing from $10,000 to $2 million—requiring only an application up to $250,000, financing agreements and working capital loans, deferred payment options, and 100 percent financing to cover soft costs such as shipping, tax, and installation.
Contact Josh Patton for more information: 281-902-1969, JoshPatton@AscentiumCapital.com
Barrett Capital Corporation, a private finance company, has been providing lending, leasing, and advisory services for 30 years. Barrett Capital focuses on funding clean energy and energy efficiency projects and associated construction/bridge loans. Barrett Capital is a Participating Lender with NYSERDA. Barrett Capital has a particular focus on offering cooperative corporations, condominium associations, and other multifamily buildings unsecured financing and shared savings arrangements with no up-front cost options.
Contact Barry Korn for more information: 212-319-8400, bkorn@barrettcapital.com
Byline provides 100 percent financing for energy efficiency retrofit projects of all types and sizes, including a wide variety of commercial and non-profit clients. Byline’s credit process is streamlined to provide credit decisions in 24 hours or less for transactions under $125,000. Transactions up to $500,000 generally take less than one business week for credit decisions. Larger transactions are considered on a case-by-case basis and require additional underwriting criteria.
Contact Ross Reida for more information: 503-807-214, rreida@bylinefinancialgroup.com
The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) is a nonprofit affordable housing and community revitalization finance company. CPC’s process pairs in-house technical expertise with innovative financing strategies to help owners understand sustainability opportunities in their buildings. Financing is available for large efficiency projects or simple improvements as a part of a broader rehabilitation or capital investments. CPC offers capital solutions from acquisition and refinancing to construction and permanent loans.
Contact Elizabeth Derry for more information: 646-822-9427, EDerry@communityp.com
Habitat for Humanity NYC Community Fund was created in 2017 with the mission to promote community development and expand the availability, viability and livability of affordable housing by providing financing and technical assistance. The Community Fund’s financial products are designed to meet the needs of our target market: low-to-moderate income New Yorkers. The Community Fund has designed products for stability and sustainability, including green retrofits, the repayment of municipal arrears, capital repairs and improvements, rehabilitation, systems upgrade, pre-development, or construction.

Contact Christopher Illum for more information: 646-604-4673 or communityfund@habitatnyc.org
M-Core™ Credit Corporation is a full-service asset-based lender, primarily focused on financing energy retrofits, sustainable energy projects, and equipment for businesses. M-Core provides services to both equipment end-users and vendors that sell and install the equipment. M-Core Credit has financed energy projects in the multifamily and commercial segments since the 1990s.
Contact Michael Wiseberg for more information: 845-369-8777 x221, Michael@M-CoreCredit.com
Original Energy Capital Solutions provides senior and mezzanine debt financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy generation projects. Original’s goal is to help create the right capital mix that allows each project to be successful. Original can underwrite and structure complex deals from both a financial and technical perspective, and the team understands how energy efficiency impacts property owners and project developers.
Contact Brian McKinley for more information: 914-847-0255, bmckinley@oecapitalsolutions.com
SparkFund provides flexible financing solutions for small to medium sized energy efficiency projects. SparkFund integrates financing into partner networks—contractors, manufacturers, OEMs, and ESCOs—to create customized financing solutions for commercial and non-profit customers. SparkFund’s financing mechanisms include several payment plan options including leases and loans. SparkFund's online tools, resources, and sales trainings can help partners offer upgrades at no upfront cost to the customer.
Contact Virginia Hewitt for more information: 202-733-5625, virginia@sparkfund.com

Fuel Oil Conversion Financing

Education and Training

Green O&M Training Hub

Looking for a short course?
The NYC Retrofit Accelerator offers
one- to two-day hands-on training
sessions for building operators.

To learn more about the local organizations that provide training in NYC, view our list of training course providers.

For additional resources, view our list of educational resources.

Click on the training titles below for descriptions of courses and links to NYC-area training providers.

Basic Green O&M Trainings

NYC Retrofit Accelerator Hands-on Training

NYC RETROFIT ACCELERATOR

Trainees learn how to:

Diagnose energy and water efficiency challenges in their buildings
Implement no- to low-cost energy solutions
Schedule and prioritize projects
Find funding to help finance projects covered in the trainings

Courses Cover:

Heating and Air Sealing (2 days, $50)
How to test, repair, install, and troubleshoot a variety of heating-related equipment. Technologies include steam traps and master vents, TRVs, boiler cleaning and tuning, orifice plates, diagnostic tools, and air sealing.
Water Conservation and Plumbing (1 day, $25)
How to repair water leaks, install water-conserving technologies, and assess energy and cost savings.
Energy Efficiency Electrical (1 day, $25)
How to conduct lighting audits, perform basic retrofits, find efficient electrical appliances, and install control devices.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course	5–10	None	$25–$50

For current and future training opportunities:

View All Training Providers

Visit NYCRetrofitTraining.eventbrite.com or
Call 212.656.9202 or email training@nycretrofit.org to learn more about this training.

Green Professionals Building Skills Training: Operations & Maintenance Essentials

URBAN GREEN COUNCIL │ U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

Course Covers:

Fundamentals of high performance design and construction
Understanding NYC Energy auditing and Retro-Commissioning requirements
Using building metrics to improve performance
Minimizing energy use through energy-efficient lighting
Strategies for improving the building envelope
Employing strategies for more efficient and cost effective heating and cooling systems
Reducing water use

For more information on GPRO, visit Urban Green Council.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	14	GPRO O+M	$0*-$350+

For current and future training opportunities through NYC-area providers:

* Note: 32BJ offers free GPRO training to its members who pay into the 32BJ Training Fund.

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

NYC Building Operator Training

CUNY BUILDING PERFORMANCE LAB │ NYC SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES

Course Covers:

Building systems, including heating, electrical, and water systems
Preventative maintenance of equipment
Best practice energy efficiency measures
Safety, compliance, and emergency management

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	30	None	$0

For current and future training opportunities:

View All Training Providers

NYC Building Operator Training

More Rigorous Green O&M Trainings

Buildings Performance Institute: Multifamily Building Operator

BUILDING PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE

Course Covers:

Fundamentals of high-performance buildings
Heating and cooling system operations and maintenance, including airflow and ventilation management and preventative maintenance
Electric energy efficiency
Water conservation
Green cleaning, recycling, and integrated pest management

For more information about the course and exam, visit BPI.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	35-40	BPI Multifamily Building Operator	Exam: $250-$500 Course: $0*-$1200+

For current and future training opportunities through NYC-area providers:

*32BJ offers free training to its members who pay into the 32BJ Training Fund

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Operations Certification I & II

BUILDING OPERATIONS CERTIFICATION

Core Courses cover:

Locating building equipment, distribution pathways, and control points
Calculating facility energy consumption
Critiquing HVAC systems operation
Sketching the facility’s electrical distribution system

Supplemental Courses cover:

For more information about this course and certification, visit BOC.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	74 (BOC-1) 61 (BOC-2)	BOC-1 BOC-2	$300*-$2150+

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

*Local 94 offers discounted courses for their members.

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

LEED AP O&M│U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

Course Covers:

Key topics including: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and design
Successful green building and LEED strategies
Opportunities to learn and practice through recognition, application, and analysis
How to identify the key components of the LEED O&M Rating System

For more information on LEED AP, visit USGBC.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	8-14+	LEED AP O&M	Exam: $550 ($400 for USGBC members) Course: $0*-$350+

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

*32BJ offers free training to its members who pay into the 32BJ Training Fund

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Owners and Managers International Certificates and Designations

BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS INTERNATIONAL

Courses Cover:

The Building Systems Maintenance Certificate (SMC) training is for those who operate and maintain multiple building systems. It provides in-depth information on key building principles, including efficient energy management and water treatment so participants gain a better understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and other building systems that work together to provide a comfortable indoor environment.
The Building Energy Certificate (BEC) training is for practitioners in operational and system maintenance roles and covers foundational concepts that relate to reducing energy consumption and developing the skills to implement sustainability efforts in the built environment.
The Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA) designation training is for those who are in charge of a team of technicians who run the day-to-day operation of a building and focuses on ways to streamline the operations in order to manage energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective building systems.
The Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT) designation training is for those who maintain major building systems, such as heating, refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing. Participants learn about the technologies and trends in the maintenance field so they are able to maximize the efficiency and safety of their building systems.

For more information visit BOMI.

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	24-30+	BOMI SMC, BOMI BEC, BOMI SMA, BOMI SMT	$300+ per course(certificates require multiple courses)

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

View All Training Providers

Want help finding training opportunities? Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Re-Tuning

CUNY BUILDING PERFORMANCE LAB │ PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LAB

Course Covers:

Objectives and implementation of the building re-tuning process
Identifying systems for re-tuning and the associated data requirements
Setting up trend logs and graphical plots
Learning how to interpret graphical representations to diagnose common system operating faults
Planning for a long-term building operations improvement process

Course Type	Course Hours	Certification	Cost
Course & Exam	15	None	Upon Request

View All Training Providers

For current and future training opportunities:

CUNY Building Performance Lab (BPL)

Resources

Green Building O&M Training Providers in New York City

The green building O&M trainings listed above are offered by the following local providers in New York City:

Are we missing something? Want help finding training opportunities?
Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Educational Resources

Building Energy Local Laws

The NYC Retrofit Accelerator is available to assist owners and decision-makers of buildings that must comply with New York City’s building energy local laws. These include:

Energy and Water Use Benchmarking and Disclosure of Energy Efficiency Scores and Grades. New York City’s Local Law 84 of 2009 mandates annual energy and water use benchmarking for buildings over 50,000 square feet in gross floor area and properties with two or more buildings on a tax lot that measure over 100,000 square feet in gross floor area. In 2016, the City expanded this requirement to mid-size buildings between 25,000 square feet and 50,000 square feet (Local Law 133 of 2016). Starting in 2020, Local Law 33 mandates building owners display their energy efficiency grade, ranging from A-F, conspicuously at public entrances. The grade will be based on the rating earned using the United States Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. For more information, visit the City’s Benchmarking page.

Energy Audits & Retro-commissioning. New York City’s Local Law 87 of 2009 requires buildings greater than 50,000 square feet in gross floor area to complete an energy audit and retro-commissioning measures once every 10 years. For more information, visit the City’s Energy Audits and Retro-commissioning page.

Lighting Upgrades. New York City’s Local Law 88 of 2009 requires lighting upgrades in non-residential buildings greater than 50,000 square feet in gross floor area. In 2016, the City expanded this requirement to require lighting upgrades for commercial buildings between 25,000 square feet and 50,000 square feet as well as in common spaces in multifamily buildings (Local Law 134 of 2016). For more information, visit the City’s Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering page.

Sub-metering. New York City’s Local Law 88 of 2009 (LL88) requires the installation of energy sub-metering in tenant spaces greater than 10,000 square feet. In 2016, the City expanded this requirement to include sub-metering for all non-residential tenant spaces over 5,000 square feet in area (Local Law 132 of 2016). For more information, visit the City’s Lighting Upgrades and Sub-metering page.

Clean Heat Regulations. In 2011, the Department of Environmental Protection issued regulations that require all buildings burning No. 4 heating fuel oil to convert to a cleaner fuel (natural gas, ultra-low sulfur No. 2 oil, biodiesel, or steam) upon boiler or burner retirement or by January 1, 2030, whichever is sooner. For a summary of these regulations, visit the Clean Heat Regulations page.

Ways to Save Energy and Water

NYC Incentive Map

Con Edison - Multifamily Program (Electricity)

Con Edison - Multifamily Program (Gas)

National Grid - Multifamily Program

NYSERDA - Multifamily Performance Program

NYSERDA - Multifamily Performance Program High-Performance Component

Weatherization Assistance Program

Con Edison - Instant Lighting Incentive Program

Con Edison - Commercial & Industrial Program (Electricity)

Con Edison - Commercial & Industrial Program (Gas)

Con Edison - Commercial Direct Install Program

National Grid - High Efficiency Commercial Gas Equipment Incentives

NYSERDA - FlexTech

Con Edison - Commercial Direct Install Program

NYSERDA - Industrial and Process Efficiency

NYSERDA - Combined Heat and Power Assistance Program

Con Edison - Residential Neighborhood Program (Brooklyn & Queens)

Con Edison - C&I Neighorhood Program (Brooklyn & Queens)

Con Edison - Multifamily Oil to Gas Conversion

Con Edison - Commercial Oil to Gas Conversion

National Grid - Gas Conversion

NYSERDA - RTEM (Real Time Energy Management)

NYSERDA - Commercial Tenant Program

NYSERDA - On-site Energy Manager

NYSERDA - NY-Sun Incentive Program

NYSERDA - NY-Sun - Affordable Solar Predevelopment and Technical Assistance

National Grid - Energy Saving Steam Survey

National Grid - High-Efficiency Gas Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Con Edison - Steam Air Conditioning Incentives

Con Edison - Demand Management Incentive for Large Customers

Con Edison - Smart Usage Rewards for Reducing Demand

Con Edison - Con Edison Smart AC Program

Con Edison - Ductless Mini-Split Rebate

Con Edison - Appliance Rebates

Con Edison - Bulk Recycling Program

Con Edison - Smart Thermostats

NYSERDA - Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Initiative

National Grid - Engineering Studies and Custom Projects

NYSERDA - Additional Funding Opportunities

NYC Green Infrastructure Grant Program

NYC Cool Roofs

NYC Retrofit Accelerator

Community Retrofit NYC

Con Edison - SmartCharge New York

Financing

Green O&M Training Hub

Basic Green O&M Trainings

NYC Retrofit Accelerator Hands-on Training

Courses Cover:

For current and future training opportunities:

Green Professionals Building Skills Training: Operations & Maintenance Essentials

Course Covers:

For current and future training opportunities through NYC-area providers:

NYC Building Operator Training

Course Covers:

For current and future training opportunities:

More Rigorous Green O&M Trainings

Buildings Performance Institute: Multifamily Building Operator

Course Covers:

For current and future training opportunities through NYC-area providers:

Building Operations Certification I & II

Core Courses cover:

Supplemental Courses cover:

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

Course Covers:

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

Building Owners and Managers International Certificates and Designations

Courses Cover:

For current and future training opportunities from NYC-area providers:

Building Re-Tuning

Course Covers:

For current and future training opportunities:

Resources

Green Building O&M Training Providers in New York City

Educational Resources

Are we missing a training opportunity? Want help finding training opportunities?Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.

Building Energy Local Laws

Ways to Save

Are we missing a training opportunity? Want help finding training opportunities?
Contact the NYC Retrofit Accelerator team today.