A Retrofit Toolkit for Passive Cooling in NYC
Reimagining New York’s awning-lined streets for a more sustainable future.
“You ever reach way back into your brain and uncover something from the not-too-distant past that seems weirdly obvious but isn’t popular anymore?”
Why awnings?
Cooling buildings accounts for about 3% of global carbon emissions and demand is expected to more than triple by 2050.
Once ubiquitous in the summer months, fabric awnings provided occupants with effective passive cooling. If combined with air conditioning today, awnings can cut cooling energy loads and associated carbon emissions by roughly 15%.
Additionally, for New York’s older and historic buildings, meeting Local Law 97 targets will require retrofit strategies that reduce energy use without compromising architectural character.
