Keeping you up-to-date on the latest in renewable energy and sustainability.
Welcome to the second issue of the GEMM Energy Monthly newsletter! We aim to keep you updated on the most recent breakthroughs and advancements in renewable energy and sustainability, offer a glimpse into GEMM's ongoing contributions, and provide valuable insights that pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Department of Buildings Releases New Rulemaking Package for Local Law 97 and Local Law 88
On September 12, 2023, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) released new rule proposals for Local Law 97 (LL97) and Local Law 88 (LL88). These laws aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in buildings. The DOB's proposed rules outline penalty provisions, requirements for penalty mitigation, and exemptions. A public hearing for these rules is scheduled for late October 2023.
LL97 requires building owners to meet strict greenhouse gas emissions limits starting in 2024, with steep penalties for non-compliance. The proposed rules define what constitutes "good faith efforts" to avoid penalties and specify the steps building owners must take for penalty mitigation. However, these provisions only apply to the initial compliance period from 2024 to 2029.
LL88 focuses on lighting upgrades and electric submetering, with penalties for non-compliance outlined in the proposed rules.
The new proposals have garnered mixed reactions, as they neither fully satisfy the City Council and environmental community nor alleviate the concerns of building owners. To read more click here.
Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $748 Million for Grid Resilience
In a significant move that underscores the U.S. government's commitment to energy resilience and sustainability, the Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced the allocation of over $748 million in Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants. This funding is part of President Biden's broader "Investing in America" agenda, which aims to modernize the nation's electric grid to withstand the increasing threats posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events and natural disasters. Read more here
Inside GEMM: From Fortune 500 Partnerships to Sustainable Education
For the past few months, GEMM has been intensely focused on broadening our clientele and deepening our relationships within the industry. A highlight of these efforts came a few weeks ago when we successfully secured a partnership with Volvo, a notable name on the Fortune 500 list. For those interested in learning about similar project collaborations, follow our LinkedIn page for the latest updates.
This is not the end of our good news. We've also recently entered into agreements with two school districts in New York. These partnerships will involve creating comprehensive master plans that will enable the districts to meet—and we're confident, exceed—their environmental sustainability goals.
Sustainable Solutions: Four Cutting Edge Technologies to Lookout For
Finding more efficient ways to get energy is vital especially, with global organizations calling for immediate action to meet net-zero emissions targets. This article highlights four innovative solutions that are making the goal of renewable energy more attainable:
Solar and Wind Power Collaboration: French startup Unéole has developed a unit that combines solar and wind power. The technology is meant for flat roofs, this system produces 40% more energy than a pure solar system and can generate power continuously.
Compact Wind Generators: A US start-up, Aeromine, has created three-meter tall wind generators without external moving parts. These generators use natural airflow and aerodynamic fins to produce 50% more power than other sustainable options.
Solar Canals: SolarAquaGrid is experimenting with roofing over California's open canals with solar panels. This approach could save 283 billion liters of water annually and generate power for 9.4 million homes.
Solar Power Windows: California-based Ubiquitous Technology has developed transparent solar panels for windows. These panels allow visible light to pass through while converting ultraviolet and infrared light into electricity, potentially generating up to 30% of a building's power needs.
These innovative solutions are a promising step towards a sustainable future, integrating renewable energy into everyday structures and systems.
Click here to read more.
We're excited to continue this journey with you, by sharing news and insights on renewable energy, and charting our path toward a sustainable future. Stay tuned for our newsletter next month.
Best Regards,
Nabil Rezqui
GEMM Energy
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