Urban Green Council is a New York City nonprofit focused on reducing emissions from buildings, which it describes as essential to healthier, more resilient communities. Established in 2002, it grew from an all-volunteer group into an organization with in-house experts and a volunteer network. Its work is rooted in New York City, extends across New York State and beyond, and aims to develop approaches that can be adapted in other cities.473
The council works with building professionals, government and industry through education, research and policy work. It trains people who design, construct and operate buildings, and develops research and practical resources to support changes in building practice and policy.38 Its current CEO is Chris Halfnight, who leads work on energy efficiency and building decarbonization in New York City, New York State and beyond.3
A prominent focus is New York City’s Local Law 97, which sets emissions caps for large buildings; the law’s caps began in 2024. The council’s resources include an interactive hub on city building and energy data, guidance on steps building owners can take toward future compliance, and case studies examining room heat pumps in multifamily retrofits.2 Its broader portfolio also includes training on energy-code compliance and publications on the city’s energy code and electricity supply.2 The organization’s stated aim is to turn work in New York into models that can be replicated in urban centers worldwide.4