We are privileged to be part of the team that worked in collaboration with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), City of Buffalo and several stakeholders to develop the Buffalo Energy Plan. The City of Buffalo was one of five cities in New York State targeted to develop comprehensive energy plans for reduced energy consumption. Also participating in the Five Cities Energy Plans are Albany, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers.
An initiative that builds upon the BuildSmart NY program established by Governor Cuomo in 2011, the Buffalo Energy Plan developed strategies and initiatives designed to reduce municipal energy consumption and energy costs; advance energy resiliency and innovative energy solutions; and support green industries and jobs. The Plan will reduce the City’s carbon footprint with a goal of reducing energy usage in municipal buildings by 20 percent by 2020.
While there are common elements for the five plans, Wendel investigated specific characteristics of energy use in the Queen City to tailor strategies for the greatest impact. The Buffalo Energy Plan includes initiatives focused on several key action areas: energy planning and coordination, energy delivery infrastructure, transportation efficiency, and energy efficiency in buildings. Wendel calculated potential costs and energy savings associated with the following:
• Energy Planning
• Strategies to Reduce Energy Procurement Costs
• Distributed Energy and District Energy Expansion Plans
• Complete Street Planning
• Traffic Signal Timing
• Street Lighting Efficiency Improvements
• Alternative Fuel Vehicles
• Land Use Ordinances
• Building Code Enhancements
• Energy Efficiency in Municipal Buildings
• Energy Efficiency in Community Buildings
Stakeholder engagement was a key element of Wendel Completes Buffalo Energy Plan in Collaboration with NYPAthe planning process, with participation from representatives across private, public, non for profit, and institutional sectors. Stakeholders include the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council, National Grid, National Fuel, University at Buffalo, Erie Community College and People United for Sustainable Housing. While the focus of the Plan is to develop solutions the City can directly implement, it also includes strategies to reduce energy usage by residents and businesses.
To view the plans in their entirety click here.