Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: New York City

  • Battery Swapping Is Finally Coming To The US

    Battery swapping has gained popularity in global e-mobility regions, with the US showing signs of acceleration. In New York City, a successful pilot project for public battery swapping stations for e-bike delivery workers is expanding to install 25 stations in high-traffic locations. The Transportation Committee of CB 8 approved two EV charging station locations in Manhattan to avoid infrastructure issues. Honda's new swappable battery pack for two-wheelers in the US and Europe's "Swaptopus" initiative for electric trucks aim to advance electric mobility. These swapping stations also function as virtual power plants, with Texas and New York City making efforts to implement e-bike battery swapping for safety and efficiency benefits.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/05/battery-swapping-us-e-bikes-honda-nyc/

  • Hydropower Trips Up Trump’s Fossil Fuel Fantasy

    The completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project in New York City in 2022 has connected ratepayers with clean hydropower resources in Quebec, reducing carbon emissions by 3.9 million metric tons per year and powering 1 million homes with renewable energy. Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the project's completion, solidifying New York's position as a climate and clean energy leader and pushing gas power plants out of operation. The project showcases Hitachi Energy's HVDC Light technology, repurposes former fossil energy sites, and brings economic investments and job opportunities to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, a new report from the Department of Energy highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of battery energy storage systems in improving hydropower facilities, further contributing to the energy transition in East Coast states. President Trump's support for hydropower projects, despite his opposition to other clean energy sources, is noted.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/17/hydropower-transmission-new-york-energy-policy/

  • New York City’s hydropower contract kicks off

    The Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line is now delivering hydropower from Quebec to New York City, powering all of the city's government operations and 20% of its electric load. NYSERDA's purchase of renewable energy credits from Hydro Quebec will cut carbon emissions by 3.7 million tons annually, equivalent to removing 44% of vehicles from NYC streets. This project marks a significant advancement towards a sustainable energy future in New York, showcasing the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to combat climate change.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/new-york-citys-hydropower-contract-kicks-off/

  • How countries, cities and companies accelerate the transformation to plant-rich food

    The importance of normalizing plant-rich diets to address climate change is highlighted in the article, with efforts from institutions like the Mayor of New York City's Office of Food Policy promoting plant-based options in meals served in schools. The EU deforestation law is mentioned as a way to price in the true cost of high-emission food production, while educating the next generation of cooks and culinary professionals is seen as crucial in shaping sustainable food systems. Making sustainable food choices easy, accessible, and delicious is emphasized to drive a cultural shift towards more climate-friendly diets, ultimately leading to reduced global greenhouse gas emissions and decreased fossil fuel usage in food systems.

    https://exponentialroadmap.org/how-to-accelerate-the-transformation-to-plant-rich-food/

  • New York Build Expo: Heat Pumps Take Center Stage

    The New York Build Expo showcased a focus on heat pumps, with big names like Midea, GE/Haier, and Daikin presenting various types for windows, interior use, and hot water. Challenges of integrating heat pumps into existing buildings were discussed, along with industry consolidation and limitations in very cold weather. The section also highlighted solar solutions in the context of climate solutions, including insights on New York City's Local Law 97 and the importance of tax credits and incentives. Additionally, creating a market for recycled plastic and sustainable materials like mass timber and foamed glass aggregate were emphasized, showing a shift towards a more environmentally friendly built environment in NYC.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/20/new-york-build-expo-heat-pumps-take-center-stage/

  • New York City adopts 2025 energy codes with focus on electrification, efficiency

    New York City has enacted new building codes aimed at promoting energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term cost savings, with mandatory air-leakage testing, enhanced requirements for backup electric heating, and simplified regulatory structures to promote resilience during extreme weather events. The codes, aligned with state codes, will be enforced starting in 2027, with compliance software available in March 2022, expected to provide significant energy savings and improve building envelope performance. The nonprofit Urban Green Council is focused on decarbonizing buildings in NYC through the NYCECC, which includes restrictions on electric resistance heating systems and backup systems, as well as energy efficiency measures beyond the statewide baseline. The NYC Department of Buildings is expected to develop code improvements through performance-based compliance pathways, with building owners already required to meet greenhouse gas emission limits through Local Law 97 and the All-Electric Buildings Law.

    https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/new-york-city-adopts-2025-energy-codes-with-focus-on-smart-electrification/811111/