The Office of Energy and Sustainability (OES) was established within the City of Rochester's Division of Environmental Quality. The goal of OES is to make Rochester a model for innovative and ecologically sustainable operations, policies and practices, and to connect the City with regional and national sustainability resources.
OES is responsible for helping the city to take advantage of the multiple benefits generated by adopting more sustainable practices. These include reduced operating costs for the City, creating a healthier, safer, more livable community, conserving and restoring natural resources, and mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Additionally, OES actively solicits grant funding and incentives to implement energy and sustainability projects, from organizations including U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYSEFC), and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E).
OES provides management and oversight of a wide variety of projects designed to build a more sustainable and resilient future while improving the health and well-being of our residents, and promoting economic vibrancy.
OES Plans and Guides:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories (2022)
- Climate Change Resilience Plan (2019)
- Climate Vulnerability Assessment (2018)
- Climate Action Plan (2017)
- Five Cities Energy Plan (2015)
- Municipal Operations Climate Action Plan (2013)
- Green Infrastructure Manual
- Sustainable Practices for Building Owners and Occupants
Programs and Projects:
- ROC City Compost Program
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- 1655 Lexington Ave Solar PPA project
- LED Municipal Lighting Upgrades
- City Hall Green Roof
- Food Waste Education and Outreach Program
- Food Waste Reduction, Donation, and Organics Recycling Program
- Rochester Community Power
- Energy Smart Rochester
Certifications and Recognitions:
- CDP’s Cities “A” List City - Rochester has been highlighted as a global leader on climate action by environmental impact non-profit CDP, achieving a place on CDP’s Cities A List. Rochester has been recognized for its actions in the last reporting year to develop robust climate change strategies, track and act to limit and reduce emissions, assess and mitigate climate risks, and transparently report this information in the 2018 disclosure to CDP. Rochester is among just 43 of the more than 600 cities who reported their environmental data through CDP in 2018 and received an A.
- ICLEI USA membership– Rochester is a member of the largest network of local governments, regional and education affiliates, collaborating to lead action toward creating low-carbon, equitable, sustainable and resilient communities.
- NYSERDA Clean Energy Community– New York State Energy Research and Development Authority recognized Rochester for completing four high-impact clean energy actions which include earning the Climate Smart Communities designation, expanding clean fleets and installation of Electric Vehicle charging stations, installing LED street lights, adoption of the New York State Unified Solar Permit to streamline approvals for local solar projects, and implementation of a community-based solarize campaign to provide public education and outreach.
U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge Goal Achievement - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized the City of Rochester for achieving its energy savings goal as a partner in the Better Buildings Challenge. The City of Rochester has achieved energy savings of 23% due to greater efficiency efforts across its building portfolio. As a 2020 Goal Achiever, we join other leading organizations driving energy innovation portfolio-wide. Learn how we reached our ambitious goal of 23% energy savings over 9 years here: City of Rochester's page on the Better Buildings Solution Center. Watch a video of our achievement.
Questions?
For additional information, contact Shalini Beath in the Division of Environmental Quality's Office of Energy and Sustainability at (585) 428-6939 or email her.