IS HARLEM PREPARED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE? Written by ELI FUCHSBERG The Earth calls for help and Harlem responds. The advancement towards a healthier and more sustainable future has been gaining ground and Harlem joins in. With the noted climate change, soaring energy prices and technological advancements more people than ever before, right here in Harlem, are working to lead a greener lifestyle and promote environmental awareness. Lower income communities will be severely affected by the impending climate problems, such as sea level rise, increased heat waves, and intensified storms. Deputy Director of WE Act, Cecil D. Corbin-Mark points to the citywide subway closings last August that were immediately followed by a same day heat advisory as a prime example of the impending crisis. “People are seeing the effects of human activity on the environment and waking up to the realization that action is required.” WE Act will be holding a Climate Justice Conference from January 29-30 at the Fordham University School of Law in order to discuss how low income communities and communities of color can be best prepared to play an active role in the discussion and implementation of climate change policy. The new Kalahari development located at 40th West 116th Street opened its doors to occupants earlier this year. The mixed-use building has market rate as well as more affordable low income apartments. The Kalahari, a joint venture by Full Spectrum New York, LLC and L&M Development Partners, is modeled after their previous development at 1400 5th Avenue. Both developments use bamboo flooring, a concept that Walter Edwards, Full Spectrum’s CEO and founding partner, picked up while traveling in China. Bamboo is a durable building material that is a far more renewable resource than wood. Other environmentally friendly features include energy saving lighting and appliances (Compact Florescent Lamps (CFL) and energy star appliances), better indoor air quality, and use of low or no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) in carpets and finishes. Julia Siegal, the project manager on sustainability for the Kalahari Development, points out that although the Kalahari looks like the typical building on the street, it uses 30% less energy. “This is a normal building made in a smarter way. You don’t have to be crazy to build green. All strategies used had been used elsewhere, but we were the first to put it together in an affordable package.” The building hopes to be a LEED Silver certified building once all testing is complete. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a nationally accepted benchmark certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. |
