Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Sourcing Renewables  -  June 22, 2023

City of Yonkers Sets 2050 Goals

The City of Yonkers announced its first Climate Action Plan that seeks to reach zero emissions by 2050, which includes a 100% GHG reduction, a 100% electric fleet, and a 50% reduction of the heat island effect.

The City said its plan includes lowering GHG by 40% and reducing transportation emissions by an additional 20% by 2028 and reducing GHG emissions to 60% with 100% electricity in municipal buildings, with zero emissions of any waste or pollution to the environment by 2038.

The City of Yonkers has been designated as a New York State Bronze Climate Smart Community (2020), New York State Clean Energy Community (2014), and received the Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award (2019). 

The City has also reduced municipal energy use by 26% and oil consumption by 15%, replacing thousands of streetlights with LED bulbs and saving taxpayers $18 million in energy costs. Long-term plans include increasing efficiency in institutional, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in Yonkers, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and encouraging the installation of electric charging stations for businesses and developers.

Yonkers hosts New York’s first dockless shared electric scooter program, providing residents and visitors a convenient, low-cost, emission-free option. In April, the city announced the expansion of EV charging stations to 90.

“By embracing sustainable practices and investing in a greener future, we are doing our part to strengthen our City’s resiliency against climate change,” said Mayor Mike Spano in a statement. “This plan will help us to form equitable strategies to lower emissions, keep our City energy efficient, and lower climate risk for future generations of our residents.”