News Story

Climate Week NYC runs from September 21-27, 2020

Following the launch of its comprehensive, ten-year Sustainability Plan, the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today announced its lineup of free virtual and in-person programs and events in celebration of Climate Week NYC. Including remote panel discussions, a virtual film screening, and self-guided educational and arts programming in its world-class parks, the event lineup highlights BPCA’s green legacy and leading-edge sustainability efforts on the path to achieving a carbon neutral Battery Park City by 2050. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit: www.climateweeknyc.org/events-program.

“We mark Climate Week NYC with an increased urgency and – with our BPC Sustainability Plan – a comprehensive strategy to achieve greener space, less energy and water use, multimodal shared streets, and better air quality throughout Battery Park City, ” said BPCA President and Chief Executive Officer B.J. Jones. “We invite you to take part in this year’s range of free events in celebration of our commitment to a more sustainable future.”

“What we see unfolding on the West Coast and Gulf Coast is a clear signal – if we need another one – that the time to act is now,” said BPCA Board Member and Resiliency Working Group Chair Catherine McVay Hughes. “In concert with our community, and informed by the best science and engineering, BPCA is investing in the future of our homes and lives.”

BPCA’s Climate Week NYC events include:

Nature in the Park

Tuesday, September 22, 3:30-4:30pm @ Rockefeller Park Children’s Garden

Celebrate the nature found in our beloved Battery Park City Parks. Pick up a self-guided worksheet to tour the gardens investigating plants and trees, as well as the pollinating insects and birds that visit the parks of BPC. Participants are expected to bring their own pencils and clipboards.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 children with accompanying adults
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Activity is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance between households

Elements of Nature Drawing

Wednesday, September 23, 11AM-12:30PM @ Wagner Park

Located at Battery Park City’s southern end, Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, with its amazing gardens and views of the Hudson River and New York Bay, is the perfect setting to practice your art. Participants are expected to bring their own drawing and painting supplies, including drawing boards and containers of water if they are planning to paint. BPCA will supply drawing paper and watercolor paper only.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 participants
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Art-making is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance for the duration of the program

Zero Waste in an Urban Environment

Wednesday, September 23, 12-1PM

On Earth Day 2019, BPCA launched its Zero Waste Initiative, a waste-reduction program that includes education, regular reporting and review of vendor practices, and pledges from more than 100 Authority staff members to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Authority has now attained Gold-level TRUE certification (an assessor-based program that rates how well facilities minimize waste) at its 75 Battery Place facility in lower Manhattan by decreasing office waste going to landfill by 90% over the past year.

Hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council, BPCA Horticulturist and Zero Waste Advisory Committee Lead Jasmine Johnson will participate in a virtual panel discussion about BPCA’s experiences on its journey to zero waste as an organization in the urban environment. Register here.

Battery Park City: Building the “15-Minute City”

Thursday, September 24, 10-10:30AM

Join BPCA for a virtual presentation on its commitment to sustainability, as we discuss efforts to serve as a model for a “15-minute City” – a community which is vibrant, inclusive, and resilient. These efforts have become particularly critical in today’s environment where many are looking to reduce unnecessary travel, yet stay engaged with their local community.

In late 2019, BPCA launched its Resilience Action Plan to serve as a blueprint for achieving “urban resiliency,” ensuring Battery Park City remains a dynamic and safe community, and further establishing it as a global leader in sustainable development. Building on these efforts, the Authority launched the BPC Sustainability Plan earlier this month, setting Battery Park City on a path of carbon neutrality by the middle of the century. Speakers include representatives from BPCA and Buro Happold Engineering, followed by a Q&A session. Register here.

Thursday Afternoon Family Fun

Thursday. September 24, 3-4PM @ Rockefeller Park

Fall is a special time in BPC: Along with the changes in trees and gardens, Monarch Butterflies and many species of unique birds are migrating through. Celebrate this time with art and nature activities. Participants are expected to bring their own general supplies, such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolor paints (bring your own container of water), glue, and scissors. Pick up a “kit bag” with instructions for the project of the day.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 children with accompanying adults
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Activity is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance between households

Drawing in the Park

Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30AM @ South Cove

Practice your art in scenic South Cove! Participants are expected to bring their own drawing and painting supplies, including drawing boards and containers of water if they are planning to paint. BPCA will supply drawing paper and watercolor paper only.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 participants
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Activity is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance for the duration of the program

Microplastics Madness: Virtual Screening & Panel Discussion

Saturday, September 26, 3-5PM

Back by popular demand! This gripping, New York-based documentary shines a light on the root causes of harmful plastic pollution explored by a group of New York City fifth graders who prove to be budding environmental advocates amid the inaction inherent in today’s climate crisis. In proud partnership with Cafeteria Culture, BPCA will host an uninterrupted screening of Microplastics Madness film on September 26 (3:00-4:15PM), followed by a Q&A panel discussion (4:15-5:00PM) led by the film’s co-directors and producers Debby Lee Cohen and Atsuko Quirk.

Nearly 100 guests attended BPCA’s virtual screening of the film during Earth Week 2020. Join us for our second screening as we wrap up Climate Week NYC! Register here.

Go Car Free for Climate

Climate Week: September 21-27

In recognition of Climate Week NYC, BPCA is also participating in New York State’s Go Car Free for Climate campaign. The goal of the campaign is to reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging New Yorkers to pledge to forego driving their vehicles at least one day during Climate Week and instead walking, riding a bike, or using mass transit. Car Free for Climate supports New York's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030, and 85 percent by 2050, from 1990 levels.

To participate, New Yorkers can click here to take the pledge, and then follow through with that commitment to be car free. Participants are also encouraged to let friends and neighbors know about going Car Free for Climate by posting about their experience on social media using the hashtag #NYSCarFree.

As a sustainability leader, BPCA has also made the following recent strides in green governance and programming:

• On September 3, 2020, the Authority launched the Battery Park City Sustainability Plan, a comprehensive pathway to achieve progressive sustainability targets over the next decade. Developed in consultation with a broad range of residential, local, and governmental stakeholders, the Plan provides the framework for developing and implementing a carbon neutral Battery Park City by 2050, in keeping with the mandate set forth in the New York State’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• In April 2020, the Authority launched the BPC Wildlife Census, through which Battery Park City’s residents, partners, and friends could help create better habitat for native insects and migratory birds that call Battery Park City home. To date, BPCA has tallied 56 diverse species through this survey. Complete the BPC Wildlife Census here.
• During Climate Week 2019, BPCA launched its Dog Waste Composting Program at each of the neighborhood’s three dog runs. Composting rather than disposing of this waste in its raw form helps minimize the amount of methane gas released, while also reducing the number of plastic bags typically used to pick up pet waste. As part of this program, more than 1,500 pounds of dog waste has been collected and is being composted to date.
• In July 2019, BPCA issued $76.3 million in Sustainability Bonds Phase 1 of its Capital Plan, which includes development of a comprehensive resiliency infrastructure – entailing perimeter storm barriers, flood protection systems, waterproofing, and landscaping to protect its residents and assets from climate change.  The Authority’s Sustainability Bond Framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines (promulgated by the International Capital Markets Association), as well as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action). BPCA was selected as the Northeast Deal of the Year by Bond Buyer for its total $673 million offering, of which these Sustainability Bonds were a part.
• On Earth Day 2019, in partnership with Gateway Plaza – Battery Park City’s largest residential complex – BPCA launched the neighborhood’s first building-specific composting program, diverting nearly 20,000 lbs. of food waste to date.
• BPCA’s Investment Guidelines emphasize the consideration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the Authority’s investment strategy. BPCA encourages its investment managers to include ESG factors in their analytical processes and prohibits investment in companies that are heavily-reliant on fossil fuels.

Read more about BPCA’s sustainability initiatives here.

Run by The Climate Group, an international non-profit focused on accelerating climate action, Climate Week NYC serves as showcase for climate action worldwide. Businesses, governments, academic institutions, arts organizations, individuals and non-profit organizations are invited to participate in the week-long events program, including panel discussions, concerts, exhibitions, seminars and more. For more information visit: www.climateweeknyc.org.

About BPCA: Established in 1968, The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is a New York State Public Benefit Corporation charged with developing and maintaining a well-balanced community on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. Battery Park City’s 92- acre site has achieved worldwide acclaim as a model for community renewal in planning, creating, and maintaining a balance of commercial, residential, retail and park space. For more info visit: bpca.ny.gov.

Contact: Nick Sbordone

     (646) 531-2276