As we move closer to the 2030 deadline for meeting the goals of the mayor’s PlaNYC in terms of energy conservation and reduction in New York City’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, the recent passing of the NYC “Greener, Greater Buildings Plan” last December is a significant event. As noted in the NYC press release, this plan includes four energy related bills:

Int. No. 476-A: Legislation that requires large building owners to make an annual benchmark analysis of energy consumption so that owners, tenants, and potential tenants can compare buildings’ energy consumption;

Int. No. 967-A: Legislation that requires large private buildings to conduct energy audits once every decade and implement energy efficient maintenance practices.   Also, all city-owned buildings over 10,000 sq ft will be required to conduct audits and complete energy retrofits that pay for themselves within 7-years. 

These offerings have been covering energy benchmarking procedures, energy auditing, efficient equipment operation, maintenance for energy efficiency, advanced equipment technology and indoor environmental issues for years; even before prompting from the city government.  It is simply part of the job for the building engineer. What is now called “retro-commissioning” includes many of the tasks that the building engineers already conduct in the buildings on a regular basis.

Over the years, the existing Local 94 training program has already prepared our members to participate in many of the key roles defined in this legislation, in particular as related to energy benchmarking and retro-commissioning.  As noted above, we will continue to hone our training to address the latest requirements. Local 94 has always been committed to continuing education for our members. The Greener, Greater Buildings Plan is just the latest development in an evolving industry of commercial building operations that can change in a “New York Minute”.  As always, we are ready to respond.

Nominations for elected offices of Local 94 will be held at the General Membership meeting on Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 @ 5PM.

 Assistant Business Manager Report

Tough Times Ahead

Many wonder how the current U.S. economic crisis will personally affect them.  The answer is clear.  Pension, Annuity and savings are directly affected by the drop in the market.  Loans and mortgages will be harder to obtain.  As far as our industry is concerned, institutions merging and/or going bankrupt will mean less office space and staff will be required.  We’ve already seen some backlash from this current financial situation.  Citibank, Random House, Merrill Lynch, and Time Warner have all reduced their staff.  With predictions of further companies being affected, further reductions in manpower are expected.  Now more than ever we need to support our brother and sister union members in obtaining jobs.  We’re asking everyone to let the union know if you hear of any potential job openings.

Planning Ahead

When we think of planning ahead, we think of saving up money for things such as buying a house, a car, children’s education, or maybe retirement.  But how many of us have put money away in case of a strike?  Although we haven’t had a strike since 1978, it came very close last office building contract. As you know, we’ve recently had strikes at Co-Op City, The New York Post, and 240 Riverside.  A pattern of hard negotiations has become evident.  Although the current office building contract doesn’t expire until December  31, 2010, we recommend that you consider ways to offset the burden of a possible strike.  For example, try not to withdraw from your Sick Fund Account or possibly put some funds away weekly in an account that you don’t touch.  If all of us follow these recommendations, we will be stronger and better prepared to handle the hardships of a strike.