The NYC Retrofit Accelerator is a key part of NYC’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 2005 levels by the year 2050 (the 80×50 target). The NYC Accelerator program provides free, customized support to building owners and designers to reduce operating costs, enhance tenant comfort, and improve environmental quality. 1,500 buildings over 50,000 square feet are being targeted for accelerator-driven upgrades by 2018 through strategies ranging from optimizing old steam systems to deep and comprehensive energy retrofits.

The panelists represent key driving forces in the program: NYC is providing funding and institutional support, efficiency advisors interact with decision-makers on a daily basis, and building owners and designers are implementing retrofits to achieve and benefit from the savings.