sustainability-2024

NYC Housing Authority


About NYCHANewsContactResidents Vote

Developments
Leadership
Board Meetings
Annual Plan & Financial Information
Transparency & Reports
Policies & Procedures
Modernizing NYCHA Properties
Capital Projects
Comprehensive Modernization
Connected Communities
Permanent Affordability Commitment Together
Recovery and Resilience
Sustainability Agenda
Office of Impartial Hearings
COVID-19 Resources
Jobs
Language Access
Public Housing Preservation Trust

Developments

Leadership

Board Meetings

Annual Plan & Financial Information

Transparency & Reports

Policies & Procedures

Modernizing NYCHA Properties

Capital Projects

Comprehensive Modernization

Connected Communities

Permanent Affordability Commitment Together

Recovery and Resilience

Sustainability Agenda

Office of Impartial Hearings

COVID-19 Resources

Jobs

Language Access

Public Housing Preservation Trust


2024 Progress Report on NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda

This is a progress report for the Sustainability Agenda released in 2021

Energy and Carbon

Health And Wellbeing

Community

Facilities and Resource Management

Economics

NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda, released during NYC Climate Week 2021, is NYCHA’s 5-year roadmap for creating healthier, safer, and more comfortable homes for residents. The Agenda is based on the five sustainability themes of Carbon and Energy, Health and Wellbeing, Community, Facilities and Resource Management, and Economics. It’s guided by the following principles:

Sustainable Design – Ensure that New York City will have an affordable and thriving housing stock for the generations to come

Integration – Ensure environmental and social sustainability is integrated into all aspects of NYCHA’s work

Innovation – Implement innovative technical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste, water consumption, etc.

Market Transformation – Use NYCHA’s purchasing power to drive and influence industry

Inclusive – Use an ethical and inclusive model to execute projects and support residents

As of Earth Day 2024, the following are summary updates to goals and strategies included in the Sustainability Agenda.

Goal 1: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050

Key strategies NYCHA relies on to reach its ambitious GHG reduction goal are building electrification, expanded solar installations, expanding reliance on electric vehicles, and installing micromobility infrastructure at NYCHA developments.

Below are the highlights of work accomplished as of Earth Day 2024.

Commitments for Goal 1

Strategy 1 – Implement NYCHA's GHG Reduction Roadmap

Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) – NYCHA has restarted auditing with 3 Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) for future EPCs and identified 2 self-managed EPCs for HUD submission later this year.

Proptech Program – After conducting a feasibility analysis, NYCHA selected 2 vendors, Openspace and Runwise, to pilot products that have the potential to increase the efficiency of information collection at NYCHA. The pilot so far has been able to show savings in utilities and provide a more accurate temperature reading of residents’ apartments throughout the heating season.

Strategy 2 – Advance electrification and deep energy retrofits

Clean Heat for All – NYCHA’s packaged heat pump pilot is underway, with units from Midea and Gradient installed at Woodside Houses in Queens in July and November 2023, respectively. Resident feedback and performance data thus far has been positive. NYCHA plans to expand the window heat pumps to the remainder of Woodside Houses, along with the installation of new energy efficient windows, beginning in spring 2025. NYCHA is also currently conducting electrification surveys at properties being considered for the next round of heat pumps.

First Electric Space Heating and Hot Water NYCHA Building – Hoe Avenue-East 173rd Street (1700 Hoe Avenue) is NYCHA’s first building to substantially complete electrification of space heating and hot water. The through-wall air source heat pumps are providing heating and cooling since March 2023; domestic hot water was turned on in February 2024.

Energy Efficient Heating Upgrades – Progress continues at 9 developments selected for energy efficient heating upgrades such as space heating & domestic hot water decoupling, exterior heat pump installation, and high-efficiency boilers. At NYCHA’s property 830 Amsterdam, full electrification (other than stoves) is complete and operational, with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pumps for space heating in each apartment and air source heat pumps for domestic hot water. NYCHA has identified locations with AC sleeves where through-wall air source heat pump technology that was piloted at Hoe Avenue can be expanded in the future.

Decarbonization Map – NYCHA’s Decarbonization map informed the assessment of decarbonization costs incorporated in the 2023 Physical Needs Assessment.

Strategy 3 – Expand distributed energy resources

Solar - Two leases are currently under construction: Sol Purpose (for Pink, Parkside, Mariner's Harbor, Latimer Gardens, Richmond Terrace, New Lane) and Urban Energy (for Taft and King Houses), accounting for 2.03 MW and 869 kWh, respectively. Two additional leases are in negotiation and are expected to be signed by Q3 2024. In addition, Gravesend, Brevoort, and Pomonok have been identified as focus sites, accounting for an additional ~2.1 MW.

Battery Storage - NYCHA released a design-build RFQ in 2023 for qualified teams to install and operate behind-the-meter solar plus storage projects, with the first installation expected at Borinquen Plaza. The RFP for Borinquen Plaza is currently being developed and will be released once funding has been identified.

Strategy 4 – Expand electric vehicle programs

Note: formerly known as "Expand electric vehicle program". This commitment will now include micromobility as well as electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicles (EV) Program - NYCHA has 116 vehicles in its 1009 vehicle fleet that are electric or hybrid – 11% of its fleet.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Feasibility – NYCHA is conducting a study with fellows from Greater NY to explore how EV charging infrastructure can be brought to NYCHA parking lots to generate revenue for properties and without requiring direct capital investments.

Electric Micromobility Charging Stations – In June 2023, NYCHA was selected for a $25 million award through the US DOT Raise grant to fund the engineering and installation of infrastructure for approximately 173 electric micromobility charging and storage stations at 53 outdoor NYCHA sites. NYCHA and ConEdison are also continuing work on their e-micromobility demonstration project, where a vendor has been selected to perform the installation, operation, and maintenance of e-micromobility charging and storage infrastructure at 4 sites (Van Dyke I, De Hostos, Queensbridge I and II), with contract execution expected by May 2024 and construction expected by Q4 2024.

Goal 2: Cultivate healthy and resilient communities based on design excellence

NYCHA strives to ensure that it is here to serve future generations, and to accomplish that we must adapt to the changing climate and landscape by incorporating best practices in energy, sustainability, and resiliency.

Below are the highlights of work accomplished as of Earth Day 2024.

Commitments for Goal 2

Strategy 5 – Update the NYCHA Design Guidelines and adopt sustainability standards

Design Guidelines – New design guidelines have been formulated will be available through a Beta website in Q2 2024. The site significantly updates and refines existing Design Standards through a visual, interactive site, and incorporate more Sustainability Agenda priorities into the standards.

Physical Needs Assessment – NYCHA's Physical Needs Assessment, updated in 2023, includes decarbonization and measures promoting energy efficiency across multiple areas of need, including roof work, building exteriors, domestic hot water, and space heating.

Strategy 6 – Ensure healthy and hazard-free indoor environments

Roof Replacement – NYCHA is currently replacing more than 290 roofs at residential buildings, with 163 in construction.

Reliable Elevator Service – NYCHA released a design-build RFQ in 2023 for qualified teams to install and operate behind-the-meter solar plus storage projects that will focus on ensuring elevators remain powered during outages, with the first expected at Borinquen Plaza. The RFP for Borinquen Plaza is currently being developed and will be released once funding has been identified.

Smoke-Free NYCHA Liaison Team – The Smoke-Free NYCHA Liaison team of community health workers directly reached over 4,700 residents in 2023 via smoke-free policy engagement and support. Indications of positive impact of Smoke-Free NYCHA work include NYU evaluation team findings that NYCHA indoor common areas experienced a reduction in secondhand smoke exposure, and NYC Health Department citywide survey data that has seen significant declines in NYCHA resident self-reported smoking rates.

Healthy Start @ NYCHA – Since the launch of the Healthy Start @ NYCHA program in 2022, 1,431 expecting NYCHA families have voluntarily disclosed a pregnancy to NYCHA and been connected to resource navigation opportunities to access supports such as home visiting, doulas, childcare, fatherhood programs, and more. In 2023, NYCHA hosted three Community Baby Shower events. NYCHA has conducted 686 Healthy Start Hazard Inspections for expecting families and worked to address hazards in these homes.

Health Corps Program – The NYCHA Health Corps program doubled its AmeriCorps Member participation in the second cohort, recruiting and placing 51 NYCHA residents in service learning placements grounded in public health and health equity. In the past year, NYCHA also expanded place-based community health worker interventions, expanding to serve residents in 59 developments across the City. Public Health asthma prevention partnerships are under development.

Strategy 7 – Expand the Stormwater Infrastructure program

Green Infrastructure Projects – Substantial completion of green infrastructure assets has been reached at 18 NYCHA developments in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. A construction manager for an additional 17 new green infrastructure projects has been selected, with construction kickoff expected in Q3 2024.

Cloudburst Projects – NYCHA multifunctional cloudburst infrastructure projects are now planned for 4 sites: Sheepshead Bay Houses, Breukelen Houses, Butler, and Woodside Houses. Design for all 4 projects will be underway by end of 2024.
The Clinton Houses cloudburst project has completed its first round of resident engagement, with a combined 75% AE and landscape design submission anticipated in Q2 2024 and construction kickoff anticipated in Q4 2025.
The South Jamaica cloudburst is completing pre-construction services, with construction kickoff anticipated in April 2024 and an anticipated 1 year construction duration.

Unified Stormwater Rule (USWR) – NYCHA has developed an approach to apply Unified Stormwater Rule to NYCHA properties during capital investments.

Goal 3: Empower residents through community activation and workforce development

Through community activation, career development, and expansion of green spaces, NYCHA can support residents’ needs as it creates more sustainable spaces.

Below are the highlights of work accomplished as of Earth Day 2024.

Commitments for Goal 3

Strategy 8 – Connect residents to workforce development and entrepreneurship opportunities

Clean Energy Academy – NYCHA’s Clean Energy Academy launched in 2023 with the goal to train 100 residents over two years for careers in the Clean Energy Industry. A collaboration between NYCHA, the Public Housing Community Fund, and LaGuardia Community College, the Academy develops skills to install solar panels, transform heating and cooling systems, and install and maintain heat pumps among other construction duties, and liaises directly with potential employers. To date, 39 NYCHA residents have graduated from the 16-week, 280-hour program.

Resident hiring on Solar Projects – Solar leases signed in 2023 have collectively hired 15 NYCHA residents, exceeding the original commitment and totaling 40 hires over the entire initiative.

NYCHA Green Career Opportunities – Supported by the Public Housing Community Fund, NYCHA commissioned a sustainable workforce action plan, which concluded in spring 2024. The plan identified implementation ideas related to supporting NYCHA internal workforce needs, increasing the number of NYCHA residents entering skilled trades & clean energy fields, and increasing economic opportunity for NYCHA residents through partnerships to advance resiliency goals. Next steps are currently being identified to implement report recommendations

Strategy 9 – Mobilize community activation through resident-led sustainability programming

Resident Climate Action Grants – The second application round of Resident Climate Action Grants, coordinated by the Public Housing Community Fund, concluded in March 2024, with awards anticipated in April 2024.

Resident Involvement in Procurement – NYCHA continues to incorporate residents into procurement processes across various RFPs. Stipends continue to be provided through the Public Housing Community Fund when residents are included in RFP evaluations.

Small Business Opportunities – Since 2023, NYCHA has presented upcoming procurement opportunities at the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) annual NYC Green Infrastructure & Energy Efficiency M/WBE Summit for Minority and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprises.

Strategy 10 – Expand NYCHA farms, gardens, and urban agriculture programs

Farms at NYCHA – NYCHA plans to release a spring 2024 RFP for new farm development. NYCHA is also working with Green City Force to identify new sites for additional "Eco-Hub" urban farm sites. NYCHA also updated its Garden Registry Application and has been renewing work to support resident gardeners across the portfolio.

Goal 4: Ensure efficient building operations and resource management

NYCHA needs significant sustainable infrastructure upgrades for waste and water management. In conjunction with improvements to equipment and resources, NYCHA is working towards building a culture of sustainability amongst its staff, especially front-line workers. Through continued staff training and recognition programs, NYCHA seeks to empower staff to build pride in their work and become environmental stewards.

Below are the highlights of work accomplished as of Earth Day 2024.

Commitments for Goal 4

Strategy 11 – Develop resilient landscapes and grounds at NYCHA

Leaf Mulching and Composting – NYCHA expanded the leaf mulching pilot in fall 2023 to an additional 10 sites with participating Supervisors of Grounds. NYCHA will continue to evaluate opportunities to expand the project to additional sites.

NYCHA also expanded its Recycle First program to include leaf collection in accordance with NY Department of Sanitation (DSNY)’s mandatory yard waste collection in Brooklyn and Queens. In October 2023, NYCHA began working with Compost Power to mulch or compost yard waste for use in NYCHA properties and resident gardens at 8 locations across the five boroughs. Approximately 277 tons of yard waste have been diverted from landfill since October 2022 (including those collected under the Recycle First program).

Strategy 12 – Ensure proper maintenance and longevity of investments

Standard Procedures – NYCHA is reactivating its Administrative Grounds Procedure class for supervisors, which includes material on waste management at NYCHA properties. The Waste Management Standard Procedure is being revised to include updated guidance on all recycling streams, to serve as a basis for this class.

Staff Training on New Waste Management Equipment – NYCHA's first auger compactor was installed in February 2024, and staff training is being revised to incorporate this new technology.

Strategy 13 – Re-envision waste management and recycling at NYCHA

Centralized Waste Yards – As part of the design-build waste yard redesign project, NYCHA installed its first auger compactor at Morrisania Air Rights in February 2024, and redesigned waste yards that incorporate augers and enclosed storage for recycling are under construction at LaGuardia, Marcy, 303 Vernon, Webster, Morris, East 180th and Jackson Houses. New designs for waste yards at 15 more developments were completed and are currently being bid for construction.

Staff & Resident Recycling - Recycle First, a program to prioritize and monitor recycling at NYCHA properties, is now in place across all of Staten Island, Queens, and 12 Manhattan consolidations, and scheduled to expand further to 7 Brooklyn consolidations and 1 Bronx consolidation in April 2024. Additionally, 3 larger, more convenient outdoor recycling stations were piloted in spring 2023 at Wagner Houses, with recycling stations to be added to Morris and Marcy in spring 2024 and more stations currently in procurement.

Pneumatics Waste Collection - NYCHA initiated a Design-Build contract in June 2022 to retrofit Polo Grounds Towers with a pneumatic waste collection system. Construction of the pneumatic system terminal building and pipe network is largely complete. From summer 2024, Polo Grounds’ four residential towers will start to be connected to the system, with turnover to NYCHA anticipated in early 2025.

Organics - NYCHA has entered its second year of a state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) grant supporting on-site organics collection and processing at Polo Grounds Towers and Patterson Houses systems, built and operated by Compost Power. Compost Power continues to collect and process organics at the NYCHA eco-hubs. NYCHA also received Mayoral Funding to provide substantial outreach at 15 NYCHA developments located near to Department of Sanitation "SmartBin" food scrap collection bins, which is currently ongoing through summer 2024.

Strategy 14 – Design for circularity and recycle construction and demolition waste in Capital Projects

Construction & Demolition Waste – C&D specifications will be revisited through NYCHA’s forthcoming Design Standards update.

Strategy 15 – Improve water management in buildings

Spray Shower Retrofits – There are currently 20 sprinklers connected to the Building Management System (BMS) under NYCHA EPC projects, with an additional 10 planned at Breukelen, South Jamaica, Farragut, and Taft.

BMS Leak Identification – NYCHA continues to connect boiler make-up water and other heating equipment to the BMS for monitoring. Over 50 developments are now connected.

Water Monitoring Study – NYCHA installe a water monitoring and leak identification system at Vladeck Houses. A report on the findings was completed and is under review

Goal 5: Leverage all funding and financing toward healthier and decarbonized buildings

To achieve this goal, NYCHA is implementing six strategies.

Below are the highlights of work accomplished as of Earth Day 2024.

Commitments for Goal 5

Strategy 16 – Retain ownership of energy and water savings

Water Baselines – NYCHA received approval from HUD for an EPC that will include water leak repair and establishment of water baseline for Multi-Family Conservation Program (MCP) billed sites. This will allow NYCHA to install water saving fixtures through EPCs.

Strategy 17 – Bring in more funding through the Preservation Trust

Preservation Trust – NYCHA has undertaken major steps in building out the Trust and launching new preservation projects. An affirmative resident vote is necessary for a development to join the Trust. NYCHA launched the first development vote at Nostrand Houses in August 2023, and subsequently launched votes at Bronx River Addition, and two Coney Island sites: Coney Island Houses and Coney Island I (Site 1B) - Unity Towers. The results of the Nostrand Houses vote were announced in December 2023, and with 51% of eligible voters casting a vote, a decision was made to pursue conversion to the Trust. Official voting results for Bronx River Addition should be available on April 19, 2024 and the results for the two Coney Island sites should be known in August 2024.  The Public Housing Preservation Trust (Trust) had its first board meeting in July 2023 and appointed its President, Vlada Kenniff, in September 2023.
The predevelopment process is currently underway at Nostrand Houses, with workstreams focused on procuring a design builder, securing financing, converting from Section 9 to Section 8. The process is a partnership between NYCHA and the Trust and has at its core engaging residents and staff throughout on the changes happening at their development.

Strategy 18 – Bring in more funding through PACT

PACT Pipeline - For the most updated information on PACT conversions, please refer to the PACT Project and News subpage.

Strategy 19 – Earn revenue through energy and sustainability incentives and demand management programs

Demand Response Programs - NYCHA is enrolled in demand response programs for gas reductions in the National Grid territory, and is also enrolled in demand response programs for developments with emergency generators. NYCHA will release an RFP to further enroll locations with emergency generators and future heat pump installations.

Strategy 20 – Establish Green Revolving Fund

Green Revolving Fund - NYCHA has established a GRF with over $2 million placed in the fund from incentives and other programs.

Strategy 21 – Advocate for equitable investment in NYCHA

Equitable Investment in NYCHA - NYCHA continues to aggressively pursue grant opportunities to fund its sustainability work, such as the many federal opportunities made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Supported by the Public Housing Community Fund, NYCHA has secured a dedicated team to help identify and pursue these grants. In 2024, NYCHA also established an informal Sustainability Council to advise NYCHA on the Authority’s adoption and execution of climate forward policies and programs, including brainstorming how NYCHA can mobilize increased funds to strengthen the Authority’s sustainability and resiliency efforts.