NEW YORK CITY

For nearly a decade, NYSERDA has led the charge in the green energy business for multifamily buildings, offering buildings hefty incentives for making improvements that reduce a building's energy usage. To participate in the programs, buildings must first select a partner that has been approved by NYSERDA. The partner, frequently an engineering firm, conducts an initial energy audit of the building's systems; helps the building decide which projects to tackle and in what order; vets the work done by various vendors to make sure they meet NYSERDA's standards; and files necessary paperwork so a building can get the coveted rebates.

Besides dwindling rebates, there are other changes on the horizon. The application process, for example, could change or be phased out. And local utilities will probably fill the incentive void. The state's Public Service Commission clean energy fund is currently reviewing NYSERDA's proposal, which includes changes to how the agency operates.

On April 22, Earth Day marks its 45th anniversary. This year, Earth Day Network, the folks behind the green initiative, are encouraging everyone to be more environmentally friendly. So, what can your co-op or condo board do to make a difference? 

Every time Earth Day draws near, terms such as "sustainability" get bandied about on green-friendly sites and across social media platforms. Perhaps it's thanks to the likes of celebrity homeowners like Leonardo DiCaprio who have been so gung-ho about green condo living in the city, but it looks as if sustainability might be gaining momentum in the high-end residential market. CORE, a real estate brokerage firm in Manhattan, hosted a broker roundtable during which nine real estate experts discussed sustainable design and its impact on the luxury market.

For co-ops and condos eager to switch from oil to gas but stymied by the cost, Con Edison has just announced 16 new Area Growth Zones for 2016 with a sweet incentive — a no-cost connection opportunity from the street to your building. It's a continuation of the company's present program, and the time to sign up is now. In case you don't know, there are two main costs in a conversion project. One is the price of all work within your property line, such as gas piping, equipment, and chimney-liners, which are the building's responsibility. The cost for this work is typically referred to as the "internal conversion costs." 

“Inane” policy ignores science of disease transmission – and the law.

Memories of summertime looting linger as bitter campaign comes to an end.

Co-op boards have the power to raise fees to keep budgets balanced.

Change will affect some co-ops with rent-regulated apartments.

Co-op boards need to protect their right to approve transfers and collect flip taxes. 

Want to refinance your co-op's mortgage? Get your ducks in a row.