(Brooklyn, NYC) – New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has made significant strides in advancing its Green Economy Action Plan, launched a year ago to expand the city’s green economy, create jobs, and drive innovation. The plan aims to triple the economic output of the green economy and more than double “green-collar” jobs by 2040, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs.
Over the past year, NYCEDC has led initiatives across five key areas: climate technology innovation, building decarbonization, renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, and equitable workforce development. Some key milestones include:
1. Catalyzing Climate Innovation
• NYCEDC is investing up to $100 million to create the Climate Innovation Hub at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, providing a hub for climate technologists, entrepreneurs, and talent. A finalist selection is expected in Spring 2025.
• The Greenlight Innovation Fund was launched to support nonprofits creating workforce and commercial innovation spaces in the green economy, life sciences, and advanced technology sectors.
• The Harbor Climate Collaborative—spanning sites at Governor’s Island, Brooklyn Navy Yard, and beyond—continues to pilot climate technologies, with a combined investment exceeding $725 million.
2. Decarbonizing Buildings and Construction
• NYCEDC launched the Clean and Circular: Design and Construction Guidelines to promote low-carbon building practices in all new NYCEDC projects.
• The New York City Mass Timber Studio supports sustainable mass timber construction projects. The first cohort led to new city guidance, and a second cohort was recently announced.
• NYCEDC is supporting office-to-residential conversions through the M-CORE program, integrating Local Law 97 compliance into project evaluations.
• A new fully electric Major League Soccer stadium is planned at Willets Point, making it New York City’s first all-electric professional sports stadium.
3. Expanding Renewable Energy
• Construction began on one of the nation’s largest dedicated offshore wind ports at South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.
• NYCEDC selected the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation and BOC Network to operate WeSource NYC, a program helping local manufacturers and contractors secure offshore wind supply chain contracts.
• NYCIDA tax incentives have been deployed to support battery storage projects, with over two dozen sites approved across four boroughs.
• The Sunset Park Solar project, developed in partnership with UPROSE and Working Power, will provide clean energy to local residents and businesses.
4. Advancing Low-Carbon Transportation
• NYCEDC renewed contracts for East 34th Street and Downtown Manhattan Heliports, requiring electrification for quieter, cleaner electric aircraft.
• NYC Ferry and Staten Island Ferry began testing renewable diesel fuel as part of broader sustainability efforts.
• NYCEDC launched an RFP to develop multiple EV and fleet charging hubs across the city.
5. Building an Equitable Green Economy
• The newly formed Green Economy Advisory Council convenes quarterly to guide NYCEDC’s green economy initiatives.
• The Waterfront Pathways program, which supports minority and women-owned businesses in offshore wind and waterfront industries, has helped facilitate over $13 million in contract awards.
• Kingsborough Community College, with NYCEDC’s support, launched a free welding program to train workers for green economy careers, with 13 participants earning certification so far.
A Growing Green Economy for All New Yorkers
NYCEDC’s Green Economy Action Plan is positioning New York City as a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and economic opportunity. With continued investments in clean energy, workforce development, and technology, the city is laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient, and equitable future.
