“Green” initiative will significantly reduce the City’s carbon footprint and improve energy conservation while updating City infrastructure

Peekskill, N.Y. (July 23, 2019) – Last week, City of Peekskill officials approved an Energy Performance Contract with Honeywell, a major step in the municipality’s commitment to going green and reducing greenhouse gasses that negatively impact climate change. The project initiatives will result in a reduction of 1,100 tons of carbon emissions per year, seven tons of sulfur oxide per year and three tons of nitrous oxide per year – all at minimal cost to taxpayers. 

The Energy Performance Contract with Honeywell allows for much needed infrastructure improvements to City buildings, applying energy savings to offset the costs. The $4.3 million project will result in energy and operational savings, with a total cost to the city of $184,000 over the 20-year term. 

This project, which has been in the works for the past year and a half, is the culmination of a very deliberative process in which the City’s Common Council and staff recognized the need for energy conservation measures, approved a company to conduct a comprehensive energy conservation audit, reviewed the results and recommendations of the audit, conducted due diligence and recognized the fiduciary duty to the taxpayer. 

“This Council made a commitment to be better environmental stewards of our community and drive a green agenda that benefits our children and families, our taxpayers, and our planet,” said City of Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey. “The Council has executed numerous: working with the Nature Conservancy to analyze regional approaches to addressing climate change, earning designation as a ‘Clean Community’ to qualify for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority grant funding for future green projects, as well as obtaining certification in New York State’s ‘Climate Smart Communities’ program. This [project] is a major step forward, which will reduce our emissions starting today, not months or years from now, but today. It will also allow us to move forward with an agenda for years to come. I particularly want to recognize Deputy Mayor Kathie Talbot for her work here, and as a leading voice on this Council for smart, progressive energy conservation and green initiatives.” 

City upgrades and improvements for the Honeywell Energy Performance Contract include: LED lighting and controls, street light upgrades, boiler replacements at Peekskill’s Neighborhood Center and Water Plant (including oil-to-gas conversion at the Neighborhood Center), Paramount Theater heating and air conditioning upgrades, Building Management System upgrades, window replacements and other building improvements (including a cooling upgrade) for City Hall, pipe insulation, desktop computer power management, smart power strips, as well as fan motors for the Peekskill Police Station, City Court and Neighborhood Center. 

“This is a giant step forward in going green without a huge expense to City taxpayers,” said City of Peekskill Deputy Mayor Kathleen Talbot. “The Honeywell Energy Performance Contract will allow us to complete work that has been neglected for way too long, and move us from talking about energy conservation to actually doing it in a bold way. It will also provide true baselines for future energy conservation projects.” 

The City of Peekskill is located at 840 Main Street in Peekskill, N.Y., and can be reached at 914-737-3400 or by visiting www.cityofpeekskill.com. 

About the City of PeekskillThe City of Peekskill is a thriving, historic community located on the banks of the Hudson River. Just under one hour north of New York City, Peekskill is culturally and economically vibrant with abundant natural resources due to its location on the river and at the gateway to the Hudson Highlands. The City’s pedestrian-friendly downtown is buzzing with an array of dining and entertainment establishments. Offering artist lofts, studios, galleries and museums, Peekskill is home to a growing arts community and has no shortage of arts activities. The waterfront, with over three miles of continuous parkland, is a regional destination with a variety of active and passive recreation, as well as breathtaking views of the Hudson River. For more information, visit www.cityofpeekskill.com.

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