Cuomo Proposes Stricter Building And Appliance Efficiency Standards

Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing stricter building codes and appliance efficiency standards in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

The legislation calls for the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code to be updated to allow new energy efficiency standards for buildings, such as requiring greenhouse gas emission reduction in the design criteria, while also increasing efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of buildings.

Concerning appliances, the legislation would cover a wider range of products and prevent appliances that do not meet minimum performance levels from being sold, leased or installed.

The appliance standards could save the average household $85 annually on energy and water bills, and by 2035 could save New York consumers $1.3 billion per year while conserving 52 billion gallons of water annually and reducing emissions equivalent to taking 300,000 cars off the road, according to the governor’s office, which notes that the proposed legislation is based on standards advancing in other states.

According to a report from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the New York State Department of State, the Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 will result in $15 billion in savings for New Yorkers by 2035, with 40 percent of the savings benefiting low- and moderate-households, while reducing carbon emissions by 1.4 million tons annually.

“Advancing stronger building codes and energy efficient appliance standards is a win-win for New Yorkers, setting a higher bar not only for our state’s building stock, but for the products we use every day,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement last week. “This comprehensive legislation reduces energy and water consumption, makes sure substandard products will be removed from the market, and enhances the quality of products available, all while reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. This is a step forward to help lower utility bills and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”