Sustainably Speaking: JC Buildings and Climate Change
Our homes shield us from the weather, but can they weather climate change and its fallout? How resilient are the buildings we live in and/or work in against superstorms or weather-borne disasters? That was one of the key discussion points at Sustainable JC’s SpeakEASY salon in February.
How vulnerable are Jersey City’s Buildings to climate-related risks, and what actions can we take now?
The Resilient New Jersey – North East New Jersey Action Plan 2022 ( RJNENJ 2022) assessed the climate-related hazards and their possible impact and outlined them in the resiliency plan for Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, and Bayonne. Heavy rainfall, coastal storms, and tidal flooding are major threats we face as river cities bounded by the Hudson River / Upper New York Bay on the east and the Hackensack River / Newark Bay on the west. The risk is evolving with climate change and rising sea levels.
The flood impact assessment in the RJNENEJ 2022 states that expected floods could impact 2 out of every 5 residents, 15,000 buildings with a value of $61 billion, 1,500 acres of total park space, and 70 percent of the region’s daily economic output. It could also affect our most critical infrastructure, emergency response, public health, quality of life, and ecosystem. The Flood Impact Assessment section of the plan provides additional detail on the critical assets that are most at risk.
Can our Buildings be built to do more?
Two communities in Florida revised building codes to make hurricane-resilient structures. Can NENJ look into doing something similar? Buildings should be designed to withstand climate disasters while also being energy-efficient. While we wait on resiliency measures, here are some sustainability actions that community members can implement as applicable.
Jersey City Buildings: What can be done now?
For Property Owners/Landlords
Actively reporting energy and water use for buildings that are 25000 sq ft or over.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) requires the owner or operator of every commercial building over 25,000 square feet in the state to benchmark energy and water use. Property owners/ landlords who comply will also be able to assess how energy-efficient their property is and what changes can be made to make it better. Commercial Buildings include all mixed-use residential buildings including high rises. Be a part of your Tenant and/or Condo Associations to ensure compliance.
For Renters, Condo Owners, and Individual Homeowners
Energy certification for buildings: Tenants and Condo Owners can check if their building has energy certifications. Both Tenant and Condo Owners can work with their respective building associations, and if you don’t have one consider starting one. Obtain energy rating certifications for the property to understand optimum energy consumption and energy efficiency opportunities. This will save EVERYONE in the building money on energy bills. Independent Homeowners can also work with PSE&G and state-vetted contractors to assess their homes for energy efficiency – visit the NJ Clean Energy Office. There are many financial incentives so do check it out.
Ensure all ‘mechanicals’, including elevator mains, are located above ground level to avoid disruptions and damage during flooding. This applies to tenants, condo owners, and independent homeowners too. If your building or home has below-ground or street-level parking / garage facilities, flooding might affect that.
Energy-efficient Appliances and Home Energy Audits
When renting or buying, verify the energy rating on home appliances /heating and cooling systems (HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning). This can have an impact on your energy bills. PSE&G conducts free energy efficiency audits for tenants and condo / Homeowners. If there hasn’t been a recent professional inspection, schedule one from the PSE&G website.
Eliminate Vampire Energy Usage
Vampire energy outlets are appliances/electronics that continue to draw on power even when they are not in active use or are on standby. (According to the Natural Resource Defense Council, they are typically responsible for 5 – 10% of total energy usage in one’s home source). This includes coffee machines, hair dryers / other bathroom appliances, and electronics. Unplug/ switch off/ disconnect or use power strips to avoid vampire power drain.
Sustainable JC plans to reconvene its Greener Buildings Team
We at Sustainable JC are resurrecting our Greener Buildings Project Team, comprising interested laypersons and industry professionals to educate, inform, and create awareness in the community about resiliency and sustainability measures for Jersey City Buildings. If you are interested in joining this team, please email us !
Every building decision we make today shapes the future of Jersey City’s resilience and quality of life. Join us to learn how we can take action together on behalf of community climate change adaptation strategies at our next Salon on Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30pm.