NYCHA & Partners Announce Innovation Challenge for “Clean Energy” Heating/Cooling Systems
On December 20, NYCHA, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) launched the Clean Heat for All Challenge (#CleanHeat4All), an industry competition directed at heating and cooling equipment manufacturers to develop a new electrification product that can better serve the needs of existing multifamily buildings and hasten the transition to fossil-free heating sources.
By leveraging NYCHA’s building portfolio, the Clean Heat for All Challenge is designed to spur innovation by positioning the Authority as an early adopter of this technology, providing public housing residents with access to clean sources of energy through engagement with service providers and manufacturers of heat pump technologies.
“NYCHA is committed to fostering innovative technology solutions capable of improving the quality of life for our residents while reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our portfolio,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “We are thankful to our partners at NYSERDA and NYPA for sharing our vision for a clean energy future and look forward to the many creative ideas that will be spurred through this exciting initiative.”
“As climate change intensifies and becomes more common and potentially life threatening to New York City residents, electric heating and cooling systems that can be controlled by individual apartments can have a public health benefit and also be a win for climate and comfort,” said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “The heat pump projects enabled through this initiative, and the one beginning at 830 Amsterdam Ave., will serve as a model on how to creatively decarbonize high-rise residential buildings in New York City and other urban settings across the United States.”
“Through the Clean Heat for All Challenge, we are supporting innovation that has the potential to revamp the way apartments are heated and cooled, reduce emissions, and provide a cost-effective solution that enhances the comfort of building residents,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris. “Advancing new heat pump technology for large building types that serve low-income populations supports the State’s goal to ensure that all New Yorkers benefit from clean energy investments, and NYSERDA is proud to partner with NYPA and NYCHA on this effort.”
“The Clean Heat for All Challenge is going to make a tangible difference for New Yorkers, extending well beyond NYCHA’s developments and into the air that we all breathe,” said NYS Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “New York State law mandates that we move away from fossil fuels and binds us to an aggressive, ambitious timeline for carbon neutrality. I congratulate and thank Governor Hochul, NYSERDA, NYPA, and NYCHA for taking us to this next step in the challenge to create clean retrofit technology that we can apply to all of our aging buildings. Our fight against the negative impact of climate change – and our future – depends upon partnerships like this one.”
Photo caption: A new heating and cooling unit at NYCHA’s Fort Independence Houses.
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