Micoturbines to reduce greenhouse gas in NYC

The microturbine technology will help New York reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and allow building owners to generate a portion of their own electricity throughout the five boroughs.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff December 12, 2007

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that New York City has implemented the country’s first use of microturbine technology, using new microturbine standards.

Bloomberg announced a new rule Dec. 5 that outlines the use and installation of microturbine systems in residential and commercial buildings in New York. This new rule takes effect immediately.

The microturbine technology, and its manufacturer, Capstone Turbine Corp ., Chatsworth, Calif., will help New York reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and allow building owners to generate a portion of their own electricity throughout the five boroughs. The rule also will help New York meet its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 30% before 2030.

The rule states that microturbine systems approved by nationally recognized testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratory can be installed at residential and commercial buildings in various locations, including within weatherproof enclosures at grade or on roofs and within mechanical rooms built with 2-hour fire-resistance rated walls.

Buildings in New York City generate 79% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. By supplying on-site power generation to buildings, microturbine systems provide an energy-efficient supplement to New York City’s power supply. Building owners now are enabled to take advantage of Capstone’s microturbine technology, which will help the city reach its PlaNYC goal of expanding clean distributed power generation citywide.