[The Vector] News from around the country: New York Green Buildings

Mayor Bloomberg Courtesy AP Photos

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has launched the NYC Urban Technology Innovation Center.  Announced on January 20th, 2011, Bloomberg said the initiative will promote the development and commercialization of green building technologies in New York City.  He indicated that the city would not meet the ambitious carbon reduction goals of the future unless emissions from New York’s one million existing buildings are reduced.

The new innovation center will connect academic institutions, researchers, building owners and businesses creating energy efficiency or green products together. A partnership of New York City Economic Development Corporation, Columbia University, Polytechnic Institute of New York University, and City University of New York will work with building owners and businesses. It will host a series of community building forums, maintain a database of green building technology and research, and it will facilitate. Some building owners will agree to serve as a test environment for technologies, and reduced rates should be available to building owners that utilize new technologies. Participants will share results from test cases and help improve understanding of effective techniques.

“By facilitating fresh ideas and producing real-world results, the NYC Urban Technology Innovation Center will help more property owners and builders recognize the advantages of installing new green technologies,” said Dept. of Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri. “This exciting collaboration…will help improve the quality of life for New Yorkers throughout the City.”

Columbia University’s President added, “Mayor Bloomberg has made New York’s environmental sustainability a priority for ensuring a vibrant economy, public health and a quality of life in the decades to come.”

IBM plans to collaborate with the NYC Urban Technology Innovation Center. It will “…apply advanced computing technology – such as cloud computing, real-time analytics, and supercomputing, for example – to help make New York City a global leader…”, said Dr. Katherine Frase, VP, IBM Research.

The launch is the culmination of two years of analysis and preparation, and also aims to create green jobs in the city. A location is not yet chosen but all participating universities will be involved. Initial funding comes from the New York City Economic Development Corp. along with the three universities. Fundraising will occur.

Bravo to Mayor Bloomberg and all those supporting the initiative.