NY State Issues “Empire Building Challenge” to Retrofit High-Rises

The Cuomo administration on Tuesday launched the Empire Building Challenge, a $50-million initiative to transform existing multifamily and commercial high-rise buildings and substantially reduce the carbon footprint of these structures. Announced during Climate Week, it’s reportedly the first initiative of its kind in the U.S.

The challenge intends to advance low-carbon retrofit approaches resulting in heating and cooling solutions that will increase the comfort, sustainability and energy performance of the state’s existing high-rise buildings, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

“New York is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing renewable energy resources that will grow our economy and advance our nation-leading plan to fight climate change,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

He added, “The Empire Building Challenge leverages public-private partnerships with leading industry experts and helps New York to continue its rich legacy of environmental stewardship in order to protect our natural resources for future generations.”

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