The city of New York is taking a number of steps to ensure that projects in the Bronx are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To this end, the city has partnered with the City University of New York (CUNY) campuses to develop facilities and programs that train students for jobs in offshore wind, such as machinists, manufacturers, engineers, environmental scientists, and expert wind technicians. Additionally, PlaNYC has reinforced the city's major clean construction efforts by requiring that the city's capital project agencies commit to reducing embedded carbon greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials.NYC Transit is the first public agency in the United States and one of the first transportation systems in the world to have an Environmental Management System (EMS) certified according to the ISO 14001 standard. The Roosevelt Avenue subway station project used fly ash to replace up to 15 percent of the cement in the concrete mix.
The rehabilitation projects for the Grand Avenue bus station and central maintenance center in Maspeth, Queens, and the rehabilitated terminal on Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn recycled up to 85 percent of construction debris, including concrete, metal, glass, and paper.The addition of a third lane in each direction of the Bruckner Highway and the replacement of the Bryant Ave pedestrian bridge will also be completed. The city is launching new biotechnology centers focused on sustainability, such as a 50,000-square-foot center at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and a new materials innovation center that will catalyze research and development in materials science, create connections with industries such as fashion and construction, support early-stage materials science companies, and provide opportunities for New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds.Investments in zero-emission school buses, all-electric mobility options, and electric vehicle charging stations will improve air quality and reduce pollution in a congested and underserved area of New York City. This includes disadvantaged communities that have historically been overburdened by environmental pollution.The New York Power Authority's Evolve NY program is increasing the availability of fast charging in the Bronx. This solution will have far-reaching effects on the environment and will help bring New York State closer to achieving its ambitious clean energy goals.
Green roofs, stormwater recycling systems, geothermal and solar water heating systems, high-efficiency lighting and climate control systems have been installed in public buildings across counties that now meet strict LEED standards for environmental efficiency.The New York City Transit MTA created a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) in accordance with U. S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for storm water regulation under the Federal Clean Water Act. State Senator Nathalia Fernandez praised Governor Hochul and the DOT for their dedication to driving progress on the Hunts Point access improvement project and promoting clean transportation initiatives in the Bronx.New York City is also launching a climate budgeting initiative to ensure that it continues to prioritize climate change and environmental justice in investments and decision-making.
