In New York, skyscrapers with glass facades will no longer be built in the future. Mayor Bill de Blasio is planning a law that requires significantly higher building efficiency. Skyscrapers with glass facades are "incredibly inefficient" because so much energy escapes through the windows, said the politician of the Democrats. The poor thermal insulation already makes New York's homes the largest producer of greenhouse gases in the city.

"When building new skyscrapers, glass can only be processed if the developers reduce emissions by other means," said de Blasio. "No longer will companies tolerate themselves building monuments that harm our planet and endanger our future."

The new efficiency criteria should also apply to existing buildings with an area of ​​more than 2,250 square meters. According to the city, this affects more than 50,000 homes throughout New York. They need to be rehabilitated in the future to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Those who do not meet the new requirements must expect sensitive penalties.

New building efficiency figures are part of a "green new deal" that Bill de Blasio plans to use to cut greenhouse gas emissions in New York by 30 percent by 2030. By the year 2050, the city should even fully offset its carbon dioxide emissions. "Every day our planet is nearing the point of no return," said de Blasio. "We're acting now, before it's too late."

MORE ON THE SUBJECT

New Yorkers eat Veggieday

Among other things, all urban facilities in New York are to be supplied with electricity from renewable energies. The use of hydropower from Canada is planned. The mayor wants to make waste separation mandatory and introduce a city toll. In addition, the use of plastic dishes and processed meat products is increasingly being dispensed with in urban businesses.

Overall, the city is planning as part of the "Green New Deal" with investments in the amount of 14 billion dollars (just under 12.5 billion euros). The aim is also to combat social inequality in the city. To achieve the climate goals, tens of thousands of new jobs would be created.