June 15, 2017 — DCAS increases its 2017 participation to 22 City buildings for a total of 5 million square feet and

NEW YORK - On Friday, June 16, 2017, the Department of Administrative Services (DCAS) will join offices all over the world for the third year in a row to turn off the lights and use daylight in lieu of electric lighting. While the global challenge is to turn off lights for one hour, because of the energy reductions DCAS has been able to achieve to date, the Agency has announced today it will double its #DayLightHour commitment and turn off the lights from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm for a total of two hours.

“This year, DCAS is proud to commit 22 buildings to turning the lights off lights for two hours, in celebration of the global Daylight Hour event,” said DCAS Commissioner Lisette Camilo. “Simple steps, like turning off lights and using daylight, can have a significant impact toward saving energy and reducing emissions especially in hot summer months when energy is in high demand and at its most expensive.”

DCAS is tasked with leading the Mayor’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 in municipal buildings and is committed to creating a more sustainable City. Last year during #DayLightHour DCAS reduced its electricity usage by an average of 821 kilowatt hours, the equivalent of energy used by an average home for one month.

DCAS has leveraged both demand and supply side initiatives in working to achieve greater energy efficiencies citywide, including:

• Installing nearly 9 Megawatts of solar power across 53 locations

• Completing energy efficiency retrofits on more than 1,300 city buildings

• Funding energy efficiency projects such as streetlight LED conversions, boiler control upgrades, and steam trap replacements.

As a result, since 2014 DCAS investments have resulted in a 279,000 metric ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 12 % reduction off of the base which is equivalent to removing 59,000 vehicles from the road.

During DCAS’s first year of participation in the #DayLightHour initiative, the agency turned out the lights at two buildings including its headquarters, the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at One Centre Street. The number of buildings has grown from 13 in 2016 to 22 buildings this year.

Daylight Hour Background

Daylight Hour is an annual social media campaign organized by the Building Energy Exchange to raise awareness about using natural daylight in lieu of electric lighting in offices. Launched in 2014, this simple and engaging campaign asks participating offices to turn off their lights in day-lit spaces for one hour on the Friday before the summer solstice.

About DCAS:

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) ensures that all City agencies have the critical resources and support needed to provide the best possible services to the public. We do this in part, through working with City agencies with needs in recruiting, hiring and training; providing facilities management for 55 public buildings; purchasing, selling and leasing city property; purchasing over $1 billion in supplies and equipment annually; and implementing conservation programs throughout City facilities. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.