Presenting NYCHA’s Decarbonization Efforts

Two NYCHA leaders – Vice President for Energy and Sustainability Vlada Kenniff and Acting Deputy Director of Energy and Sustainability Edwin Mendez – discussed the Authority’s work on decarbonization and sustainability at two notable public events recently. 

Edwin Mendez attended the “AEG Thought Summit 2022: Critical Infrastructure, Equity and Resilience,” where he discussed NYCHA’s energy programs alongside attendees such as federal, state, and city leaders; regulators; national energy labs; critical energy users; non-governmental organizations; and private sector representatives. 

“I presented NYCHA’s decarbonization strategy for our multifamily buildings and our electrification goals in particular,” Mr. Mendez explained. “For instance, the Authority is developing a cold climate heat pump that would eventually replace gas boilers.” 

Vlada Kenniff spoke at “New York Build 2022,” the largest construction and design show in the metropolitan area. She was part of a session titled “A Sustainable Built Environment – Steps Towards Net Zero by 2050.”

“The key to decarbonizing the affordable multi-family building housing stock will be making the space heating and hot water technologies cost-effective and not disruptive to residents’ lives as they are installed and operated,” Ms. Kenniff noted. “As we invest and transition from combustion-based heating technologies toward more modular, efficient electric systems, we must also make sure we are creating job opportunities for NYCHA residents.”