BOMA New York: Sustainability in New York commercial real estate - by Patrick Dolan

BOMA New York and its members are at the forefront of advancing sustainability within the commercial real estate industry. As key players in managing and operating some of New York City’s most prominent commercial properties, BOMA New York and its members are driving efforts to reduce environmental impact while enhancing building performance, tenant experience, and overall market value. Through green building certifications, energy efficiency measures, educational programs, and industry-wide sustainable practices, BOMA New York is influencing the future of New York’s commercial real estate landscape. 

Sustainability in commercial real estate is more than a trend — it’s a critical component of property management and asset value. BOMA New York members are leading efforts to integrate green building certifications such as LEED, Energy Star, and WELL into their properties. These certifications are vital for demonstrating environmental responsibility while improving operational efficiency and tenant well-being. From retrofit projects to new developments, BOMA NY members are incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials, enhancing both environmental performance and financial returns. 

 Education plays a central role in advancing sustainability in commercial real estate, and BOMA New York offers a robust lineup of webinars and educational programs tailored to property owners, managers, and industry professionals. One of our most popular upcoming courses, Environmental Health and Safety Issues, is designed to enhance your knowledge in this critical area. This program presents best practices for developing and managing an effective environmental health and safety program, providing valuable insights into the regulatory process and how it affects facilities. The course begins on May 1 and is offered as a live virtual learning course over six weeks in the evening, making it a convenient option for professionals looking to expand their expertise and strengthen their sustainability practices. 

For more information, please contact the BOMA NY team. 

 As energy efficiency remains a top priority for BOMA New York members, from upgrading HVAC systems and lighting to implementing advanced energy management systems, members are reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs across their portfolios. Innovative practices such as demand-controlled ventilation, high-performance glazing, and energy recovery systems are being deployed to enhance building performance while meeting Local Law 97’s carbon emission reduction targets. 

As Earth Day approaches, BOMA New York’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted through its participation in Energy Action Day, this year as part of the BOMA MAC New York conference on April 10^th at 8:00 AM. The event will feature expert-led discussions on improving building performance and advancing sustainability in commercial real estate. Industry leaders, including Christopher Cayten, senior director at CodeGreen, Hrisa Gatzoulis, director of sustainability at Rudin, Sam Mason, director of engineering at CodeGreen, and Adin Meir, VP of energy & sustainability at Moinian Group, will share insights on energy efficiency solutions, emerging technologies, and best practices to optimize building operations and reduce carbon footprints. 

The 2025 Energy Action Day, as a key program of the MAC, offers a unique opportunity for commercial real estate professionals across the Northeast to network, exchange ideas, and gain actionable strategies to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in their properties. We look forward to seeing many of you there. 

As the commercial real estate industry continues to evolve, BOMA New York’s members are leading the way in sustainability, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and business success go hand in hand. Through green building certifications, energy efficiency measures, industry education, and sustainable building practices, BOMA NY is ensuring that New York’s commercial real estate sector remains resilient, efficient, and competitive for years to come.

Patrick Dolan, RPA, is chairman of BOMA New York.