CLEAN HEAT PROGRAM REDUCES AIR POLLUTION IN NEW YORK CITY

By GC Environmental, New York

Introduction

New York’s GC Environmental provides a full range of environmental consulting services to commercial and government clients. GC Environmental has specific experience helping New York City buildings meet Clean Heat requirements established by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Beginning in 2012, the DEP required buildings to convert to cleaner heating oils.

Established in 2011, the Clean Heat initiative addresses the high levels of air pollution caused by the burning of three grades of heavy heating oil. When burned, heavy oils, such as the tar-like No. 6 oil, release fine particulates, referred to as PM 2.5.

Clean Heat Program

These particulates can embed in people’s lungs and aggravate existing respiratory conditions or cause cardiovascular issues.

By converting to cleaner fuels, the city expects to achieve significant health benefits for its residents. Since establishing the Clean Heat program, the city has already witnessed a 50 percent drop in PM 2.5 emissions. Through reductions of these particulates and overall reductions in air pollution, the city anticipates declines in emergency room visits and hospital admittances due to lung and cardiovascular diseases.