NEW YORK, Dec 5, 2007 -- Comtex

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Wednesday announced a plan to begin reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the city's municipal buildings and operations by 30 percent by 2017.

The 10-year plan includes 132 projects throughout all five boroughs and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 34,000 tons annually.

The projects in this plan include lighting replacement and sensor installation; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements; water and sewer equipment upgrades as well as vehicle replacements.

The plan was developed over the last six weeks by the steering committee created by an executive order signed by Bloomberg in October.

The steering committee is also charged with developing and implementing a comprehensive 10-year energy conservation plan, which will be submitted to the mayor by June 30, 2008.

The municipal energy consumption accounts for approximately 6.5 percent of New York City's total energy usage and 10 percent of its peak electricity demand.

Bloomberg is leading efforts in the New York City to protect environment. In June, he unveiled "PlaNYC" which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

News Provided By