Brief
Discover how New York City buildings are implementing carbon capture systems to combat greenhouse gas emissions and comply with new regulations. Learn about the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of this innovative approach to reducing environmental impact.
Insight
New York City buildings are adopting carbon capture systems to combat greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the city’s new regulations. With over 50,000 structures, representing more than half of the city’s buildings, subject to Local Law 97, property owners are urgently seeking emission reduction solutions.
Carbon capture systems are being installed to collect carbon dioxide from gas-fired boilers and prevent its release into the atmosphere.
Some building owners are selling the captured carbon dioxide to manufacturers for the production of carbonated beverages, soap, and concrete, providing an additional revenue stream. However, critics argue that significant upgrades and a transition to renewable-powered electricity are necessary to achieve substantial emission reductions.
Carbon capture technology is still under evaluation by New York City officials as a qualifying emissions reduction method. Meanwhile, building owners are striving to persuade the city to accept and recognize its benefits. The article highlights a case study of an Upper West Side apartment building where carbon capture technology has been implemented.
The system captures around 60% of the emissions from gas-fired boilers, resulting in a reduction of approximately 23% in the building’s overall emissions. The captured carbon dioxide is transformed into liquid form, stored in tanks, and transported to a concrete manufacturer in Brooklyn, where it is permanently embedded in concrete.
While carbon capture technology has been used on an industrial scale by oil and gas companies, its application in residential buildings is a novel approach.
Building owners installing carbon capture systems can benefit from federal tax breaks, and additional incentives are available through programs like NYC Accelerator, which assists homeowners and property managers in emission reduction efforts. The article emphasizes the urgent need for action, as non-compliant high-rise buildings could face significant fines starting in 2030.
New York City’s large buildings heavily rely on outdated and inefficient heating systems, with approximately 70% of them utilizing steam boilers powered by natural gas or oil. The under-maintained state of these systems presents a significant challenge. However, opportunities for building decarbonization remain untapped.
Property management companies, such as Glenwood Management Corp., are embracing carbon capture technology and planning to install systems in multiple buildings. By taking action, building owners can avoid substantial fines and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Highlight
- Carbon capture systems are being installed to collect carbon dioxide from gas-fired boilers and prevent its release into the atmosphere.
- . The system captures around 60% of the emissions from gas-fired boilers, resulting in a reduction of approximately 23% in the building’s overall emissions.
- The captured carbon dioxide is transformed into liquid form, stored in tanks, and transported to a concrete manufacturer in Brooklyn, where it is permanently embedded in concrete.
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