OP-ED: We can kumbaya around climate change

I am always thinking about housing, especially preservation and protection for those of us in low-income housing. As many in the housing advocacy space know, amplifying the voices and concerns of those with less is often seen as if we are standing in opposition and saying, “No to advancement,” which is not the case. There are points where residents and landlords can come together.

New York City’s Local Law 97 (LL97) represents a crucial opportunity for low-income housing residents, property owners, and developers to collaborate on improving the city’s environmental health while addressing long-standing issues like building repairs and energy inefficiency.

LL97 is part of New York City’s ambitious Climate Mobilization Act. It sets strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings and mandates substantial energy efficiency improvements. Importantly, with thoughtful implementation and collaboration, LL97 has the potential to achieve climate goals and uplift the quality of life for low-income residents. These residents are typically disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental injustices.

Low-income residents are vulnerable to extreme heat and other drastic weather due to aging infrastructure: leaky roofs, insufficiently insulated windows, poor ventilation, and inefficient heating and cooling systems. These conditions exacerbate the impacts of climate change.

These residents also have limited access to green spaces. According to New York City’s Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI), a tool created by the NY State Department of Health that measures how vulnerable a community is to the negative health effects of extreme heat, mapping the results out by community shows that the consequences are severe. Results are adverse health effects such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues, increased hospitalizations, and even increased energy costs. Most marginalized residents lack adequate resources to cope with rising temperatures.

Addressing these issues is an urgent matter of climate justice. LL97 offers a pathway to correct some of these deficiencies. For many owners, especially those managing low-income or rent-stabilized properties, the cost of retrofitting buildings to meet LL97 requirements is a major concern. However, low-income residents have a vested interest in ensuring that their homes are energy-efficient, well-maintained, and environmentally sustainable. Engaging them in the process will unlock a powerful coalition of residents and owners working toward a shared goal.

While the cost of LL97 compliance is substantial, there are various funding streams at the federal, state, and local levels of government that can help alleviate the burden. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed at the federal level, includes billions of dollars in incentives and grants for energy-efficiency improvements in residential buildings. New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) allocates funding for green building upgrades, particularly in disenfranchised communities. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) also offers grants and low-interest loans for energy upgrades. New York City offers several programs to assist property owners in achieving compliance with LL97, such as funding via the GreenHOUSE Fund and other resources found on the NYC Accelerator that provide expert guidance to help owners make energy-efficiency improvements. These government-supported funding streams and programs make it easier for building owners and developers to afford the necessary improvements.

LL97’s potential as a catalyst for change in low-income housing is significant. However, there is a critical missing link: outreach to and meaningful conversations with residents. City agencies, building owners, developers, and grassroots environmental organizations must make a concerted effort to involve and engage residents in discussions about LL97 compliance. If these communities are included from the outset, the process of implementing energy-efficient upgrades will go much more smoothly.

This innovative approach will foster less resistance and more collaboration to meet LL97’s ambitious goals; address long-neglected repairs; and create more resilient, energy-efficient buildings. With greater outreach and collaboration, Local Law 97 will improve the lives of all New Yorkers, particularly those in the city’s most vulnerable communities, while helping the city take a crucial step toward combating climate change.

June Moses is a housing advocate who has called Harlem home for more than 30 years. Her history of community involvement includes serving as a tenant association president, where she championed tenants’ rights and worked to improve housing conditions. Currently, Moses co-hosts the radio show “Ask Geraldine” on WHCR 90.3 FM, which airs Mondays at 5 p.m. EST.