As Trump Dumps Climate Deal, Brooklyn's NYCHA Residents Do Their Part To Save The World

BROOKLYN, NY – America's president might have just turned his back on international efforts to fight global climate change, but the residents of New York's housing projects are doing their part to protect their world.

New lights installed in 18 New York City Housing Authority developments across Brooklyn are expected to cut energy use so much that $1.6 million a year will be slashed from the electricity bill – money the city is promising to pump back into other programs designed to save environmental resources.

The lights, which cost $16.3 million and were installed in partnership with Con Edison, will reduce NYCHA’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by 6,563 tons – equivalent to taking 1,253 cars off the road, the city said.

They will also be more reliable for the 36,000 people who live in the buildings, the city said.

“As part of our NextGeneration NYCHA long-term strategic plan, we are committed to attracting investments for capital improvements that generate savings and improve the quality of life of our residents,” said Bomee Jung, NYCHA's vice president of energy and sustainability.

“NYCHA’s project shows how a simple lighting change can make a big difference in a customer’s energy costs,” said Vicki Kuo, director of energy efficiency and demand management programs at Con Edison.

The upgrade ripped out non-efficient fluorescent bulbs in apartments and common areas, replacing them with LED lights that can last up to 23 years.

Con Edison contributed $5.6 million toward the cost.

Money saved will be used to make other things – such as heating and hot water – in NYCHA's buildings more efficient, the city said.

Main photo: The Williamsburg Houses courtesy of NYC Housing Authority