New York State has an energy efficiency portfolio standard target for all of its buildings.  Energy savings targets are planned every three years with a goal of reducing the state’s energy consumption in building energy use by 15% by 2015.  New York’s overall national policy goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 5% below 1990 levels by 2010, 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. New York State offers tax credits and bonds that encourage energy efficiency investment. Home energy improvements are exempt from property taxation up to the amount that the improvements increase the value of the home. Electricity and natural gas efficiency programmes are run by the utilities and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and have achieved significant energy savings in past years.  NYSERDA acts as New York’s one-stop solution centre, providing individuals with advice and guidance on energy efficient design, finance and solutions for reducing their home’s energy consumption.

The Policy Tool for Renovation highlights five key areas where New York’s Renovation Policy Package excels: overall country reduction targets, incentive schemes, utility-funded energy efficiency programmes, market development schemes and training and education campaigns.

Although the energy consumption in New York’s has fluctuated over the studied period, there is a clear downward trend for all studied indicators.  This makes New York a prime candidate for our study.  Alongside the downward trend of the consumption criteria the GDP is showing a clear upward trend.  The population of New York is estimated to be 19.6 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).