Sustainability
Nyack has made a commitment to protect the environment through planning, policy, and practice. The Village's Sustainability Coordinator works with Village staff and leadership to organize and implement programs and policies to protect the environment.
A MESSAGE FROM NYACK’S CLIMATE SMART COMMITTEE: JOIN US!
The Nyack Climate Smart Committee works closely with the Village government to address climate change in our community. We’re inviting new members to help us build local knowledge and regional connections, attract funding and expertise, and inspire the public. We’d love to hear from you, whether you have special expertise or are just eager to make a difference.
Right now, we’re focusing on all things electric–especially EVs and heat pumps--but the full scope of our work includes how we use and buy energy, manage waste, care for our trees and yards, and prepare for rapidly growing climate impacts.
Nyack became a Bronze-level certified Climate Smart Community in 2019, the first community in Rockland County to achieve this recognition. The Climate Smart Communities program helps communities in New York take meaningful actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in community resilience and the health of our natural resources, and build a more just, healthy, and livable future. The program provides recognition, technical guidance, and preferred standing in competitive grant programs. To learn more about the Climate Smart Communities Program, see the NY State CSC Website.
Contact: Sustainability Coordinator, Marcy Denker mbdenker@gmail.com
The NYS Energy Research Development Authority administers the Clean Energy Communities Program, providing the resources and funding to help communities invest in future-focused clean energy solutions. Communities earn points an access grant funding by completing high-impact actions.
Nyack is a designated Clean Energy Community and has currently achieved 5100 points in the program, and earned $20,000 in grants for clean energy projects by completing these actions:
- Energy Benchmarking
- LED Street Lights
- Energy Code Enforcement Training
- NY Stretch Energy Code
- Climate Smart Communities Certification
- Clean Fleets (for EV charging station)
- Unified Solar Permit
- Community Choice Aggregation
Rockland Community Power Community Choice Aggregation
Nyack is among five communities participating in the Community Choice Aggregation called Rockland Community Power. This energy bulk purchasing program allows the Village to procure green power for all Nyack residents and small businesses at a fixed, competitive rate. Over the nineteen months since the program began, participants in the five communities have saved over $4.4 million relative to O&R rates. Equally important this is an exciting opportunity for our small community to make a real difference in our carbon footprint by switching to clean energy.
For information about the program, check www.rocklandcommunitypower.com, call 845 859-9099, or contact your Community Coordinator Peggy Kurtz at peggy@joulecommunitypower.com.
HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENTS AND UPGRADES
Climate Smart Committee Co-Chair Steve Cea is an Energy Navigator, qualified to help residents and businesses reduce their energy use and costs by taking advantage of the many incentive programs available. Programs offer free and low-cost services and upgrades, according to income level. He can connect you to resources, help you find a program that is right for you, and provide support while you’re in the process of having an assessment and upgrading your house, apartment, or business. Contact Steve at scea2014@gmail.com
COMPLETE STREETS
Complete streets are streets for everyone. They are designed to be safe and enjoyable for pedestrians, bicyclists, disabled people, and motorists of all ages and abilities. Nyack has adopted a Complete Streets Policy and has been making improvements to sidewalks, adding crosswalks and traffic signals. The Greater Nyack Bike Walk Master Plan, funded by the New NY Bridge Community Benefits Fund, is a road map to improve safety and access to destinations in the Nyack river villages and Valley Cottage through better roadway design, wayfinding and signage, education, and enforcement.
Tools & Resources
- Carbon Footprint Calculator
- Home Energy Assessment
- O&R Incentives & Rebates
- Suez Water Incentives & Rebates
- EV & Hybrid Vehicle Rebates
- Green Infrastructure Committee Roundtable Final Report
- Sustainable Nyack Action Plan 2015
- Local Waterfront Redevelopment Plan 2017
