The Gowanus Canal, a waterway that goes through the heart of Brooklyn, is famous for its rich history and copious amounts of industrial pollution. However, recent efforts have been underway to clean up the canal’s murky waters and revitalize its surrounding ecosystem.  In honor of Earth Month, we’re highlighting environmental issues that hit close to home (so close we can smell it from our office). Read on to learn about the canal’s past, present, and future and how you can contribute to a cleaner NYC. History of the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn Dating back to the 1860’s, the Gowanus Canal w ..read more

With more than 550 community gardens spread across the five boroughs, urban gardening in New York City has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. One innovative approach to powering these urban green spaces is through the use of solar energy.  Discover the benefits of urban gardening in NYC, from fresh, healthy produce to a stronger community. Learn the steps to harnessing solar power for your garden’s irrigation, lighting, and more.  Let’s grow a greener future for NYC, one urban garden at a time! What is Urban Gardening? Urban gardening is the cultivation of plants ..read more

As New York City embraces sustainable energy solutions, many homeowners are wondering if their houses are a good fit for solar. With the growing interest in solar energy across NYC, understanding the key factors that determine your home’s compatibility with solar is crucial. This comprehensive guide dives into the key factors that determine if your NYC roof is a good candidate for solar panels. We’ll explore factors like roof orientation, shading, size, and even your future energy needs. By understanding these aspects and your home’s energy consumption, you can make an informed decision about ..read more

In New York City, where real estate values soar and sustainability is becoming increasingly important, the question of whether solar panels can boost your home’s value is a pertinent one. Let’s dive into the factors that influence this and how solar increases the value of your home. NYC’s Ambitious Clean Energy Goals With the passing of the NYC Climate Mobilization Act in 2019, New York City has set some of the world’s most ambitious clean energy goals. NYC is aiming to reduce building carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and by 80% by 2050.  To achieve this goal, the city has implemented vari ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of New York City, businesses are facing a unique set of challenges, and one prominent concern is the increasing energy costs. As the city strives for sustainability, complying with Local Law 97 (LL97) has become a crucial aspect for businesses to consider. In this blog post, we delve into the reasons why NYC business owners should tap into NYC’s solar power benefits and consider integrating solar into their operations. Brooklyn based company, Colossal Media, goes solar with Brooklyn SolarWorks.Why do NYC Business Owners Nee ..read more

The preservation of historical sites and homes is not just a nod to the past; it’s an investment in our future. The New York State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) stands as a testament to this belief– it offers  homeowners the opportunity to revive, preserve, and green their historic properties all while enjoying valuable tax benefits. Read on to learn more about the NY State Historic Tax Credit and its importance for solar accessibility in New York City. What is the NYS Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit? The New York State Historic Tax Credit is a fi ..read more

A $23 billion market opportunity incites increased NOI driving cap rates and real estate values in NYC Mayor Adams’ City of Yes zoning initiatives are modernizing New York City’s zoning regulations to move the city towards more equitable and sustainable living. The landmark legislation, which features a Carbon Neutrality zoning amendment (COYCN), was passed into law this week relaxing restrictions on solar developments, furthering both the city and state’s efforts toward carbon neutrality. The new zoning regulations abolish the coverage and setback restr ..read more

New York City has a food waste problem. But luckily, one of the best solutions is already within reach: composting! Composting is an easy, sustainable way to dispose of organic material, and with a growing network of composting services available, it’s more accessible than ever for New Yorkers. In honor of curbside composting coming to Brooklyn this month, we’re doing a two-part series on food waste reduction in NYC. Follow along to learn more about how you can do your part! Read Part 1: How to Reduce Food Waste in NYC here. What is composting? Composting is the process of recycling organic wa ..read more

Food waste has taken center stage in New York City’s sustainability efforts, and for good reason. Food makes up a major portion of NYC’s waste, contributing significantly to landfill emissions. But there’s better, more sustainable ways for New Yorkers to consume and dispose of food. In honor of curbside composting coming to all of Brooklyn this month, we’re doing a two-part series on food waste reduction in NYC. Follow along to learn more about how you can do your part! Is food waste a problem in NYC? In a city as densely populated as ours, there are lots of things that contribute to greenhous ..read more

With electricity rates on the rise, New York City residents are looking into greener alternatives to power their homes. A popular energy solution that New Yorkers have been switching to is solar! Read on to see how solar energy has impacted local Bed-Stuy resident, Jarret Yoshida, over the past year. About Jarret Yoshida Designs Meet Jarret Yoshida, an award-winning interior designer whose passion for crafting luxurious, contemporary living spaces is surpassed only by his commitment to purposeful and sustainable design.  Whether it’s a New York City apartment, a quaint townhouse, a charm ..read more