energy

Syracuse, NY has been actively improving its energy efficiency through various initiatives. The city has embraced renewable energy sources, with solar panel installations on municipal buildings and homes. Local incentives, such as property tax exemptions for solar panel installations, encourage residents and businesses to switch to green energy. The metropolitan area has seen growth in the use of energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, spurred by state and federal incentives. Efforts to retrofit older buildings with modern, energy-efficient infrastructure have been supported by programs under NYSERDA. Syracuse's partnership with Grid Smart, a local utility program, aims at upgrading the grid to be more resilient and efficient. The city's commitment to the Climate Smart Communities program demonstrates its endeavor to meet statewide energy goals, including a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) offers financial assistance to projects that meet certain energy efficiency standards, further bolstering the city's sustainability efforts.

water

Water conservation and quality are high priorities in Syracuse, with the city investing in modernizing its water infrastructure. The 'Save the Rain' program is a key initiative that uses green infrastructure to manage stormwater, prevent sewer overflows, and improve water quality in local waterways. The program includes rain gardens, green roofs, porous pavements, and tree plantings, among other projects. Syracuse's water treatment facilities have been upgraded to provide clean and safe drinking water to residents. Ongoing infrastructure projects aim to repair old water mains to prevent leaks and conserve water. The city benefits from the clean water supplied by Skaneateles Lake, which is one of the few unfiltered water sources in the United States due to its exceptional quality. Educational efforts have been made to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation within the community. Incentives for water-efficient appliances and fixtures are available to residents, promoting reductions in household water usage.

transportation

Transportation in Syracuse is evolving with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. The city supports the use of public transportation through Centro, the central public transit agency, which has been introducing more fuel-efficient and electric buses into its fleet. Efforts are in place to make public transportation more reliable and accessible, including real-time tracking technology for buses. Syracuse has also rolled out bike-share programs and invested in bike lanes, making cycling a more viable and eco-friendly option for residents. The city's walkability has been enhanced through maintained and improved sidewalks, with ongoing downtown revitalization projects that prioritize pedestrian-friendly developments. The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) is actively involved in long-term transportation planning, promoting strategies that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. As part of New York State's initiatives, electric vehicle charging stations are becoming more prevalent in Syracuse, and incentives are available to encourage residents to purchase electric vehicles.

waste

Waste management in Syracuse has become more sophisticated with the implementation of single-stream recycling, which simplifies the process for residents and increases participation rates. The City's Department of Public Works oversees waste management and works closely with OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) to promote recycling and proper waste disposal. OCRRA's 'Save the Rain' program, aimed at reducing water pollution from stormwater runoff, has an ancillary benefit of preventing waste from entering the water system. There are strict regulations in place to ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of correctly, with designated drop-off days for residents to safely discard such items. The city also encourages composting and has educational programs in place to help reduce organic waste. Syracuse's food waste programs, in partnership with local non-profits, divert food waste from landfills to food rescue operations and composting facilities. Green infrastructure projects further contribute to waste reduction efforts by managing stormwater and reducing the burden on traditional waste infrastructure.