Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) in U.S. announced that, through their partnership in the Five Cities Energy Initiative, Yonkers will replace 20,200 interior lighting fixtures with LED energy efficient tubes in all city operated buildings. The project, partially funded by NYPA, will save Yonkers taxpayers up to $250,000 per year and reduce the City’s carbon footprint by 1,226 tons annually. 

“Once again Yonkers leads by example as this LED light conversion project continues our commitment to preserving our community for future generations,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Yonkers is already one of the most energy-efficient cities in the nation.  This project and our ongoing partnership with NYPA will help build on that success and cement Yonkers’ position at the forefront of urban sustainability and as a national model for its green initiatives.”

Yonkers, a city in New York, U.S. is rolling out a streetlight project to replace 20,200 traditional lighting fixtures. (Photo courtesy of City of Yonkers)

“With projects like the LED bulb installations, Yonkers continues to show its steadfast commitment to fostering a sustainable, energy-efficient future for the city,” said Gil Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “This is a win-win. Not only do initiatives like these make meaningful reductions to greenhouse gas emissions, they also save taxpayers money every year.”

Yonkers’ interior LED light conversion project is replacing 32 watt, T8 fluorescent tubes to more efficient 12 watt LED T8 tubes. Buildings where its lights are being replaced include Yonkers City Hall, Robert Cacace Justice Center, 87 Nepperhan Government Building, Yonkers Riverfront Library, Grinton I. Will Library, Crestwood Library and the Hudson River Museum.  The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

LED bulbs can be six to seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights and cut energy use by more than 80%. LED bulbs can have a useful life of 25,000 hours or more and last 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. Yonkers’ LED light conversion project is funded by a $300,000 grant provided by NYPA as part of the Five Cities Energy Master Plan which was launched in 2014.

Over the last four years, Mayor Spano and the City of Yonkers have undertaken one of the most ambitious municipal sustainability programs in New York State. Known as Yonkers Green City, the City’s initiatives include the installation of 12,000 new LED street lights, will save Yonkers taxpayers $18 million in energy costs over ten years and reduce the City’s carbon footprint by 12%, along with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in municipal garages.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership and his continued support for the City of Yonkers. We look forward to continue working with him and NYPA to expand sustainability efforts in our City,” added Mayor Spano.

“The Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee would like to applaud Mayor Spano and the Administration’s efforts in putting sustainability first,” said Julie Chang, of the Yonkers Green City Committee. “The Yonkers Energy Master Plan has several exciting initiatives and we are thrilled to see the City implement the Interior LED lighting project in multiple city buildings.  The City continues to make headway to reduce its carbon footprint and take strides in the City’s overall sustainability.  We are proud to be a part of this exciting project.”  

Launched in 2015, the Five Cities Energy Plan supports the Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system, while meeting his goal under the recently enacted Clean Energy Standard of having 50% of power used in the state come from renewable sources by 2030. The Five Cities plan also expands upon the Governor’s BuildSmart NY Program, to make state-owned and managed buildings 20% more energy efficient by 2020. The cities will work toward the goal of cutting energy use 20% by 2020 for municipal buildings and 20% by 2030 citywide, including private buildings. If the cities reached those goals, NYPA estimated it could result in $400 million in combined annual savings.

To learn more about Yonkers Green City initiatives, visit www.yonkersny.gov/live/yonkersgreencity.