Welcome
to the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative
A sustainable deconstruction project led by Felix Heisel and community partners in Collegetown aims to promote the reuse of building materials over traditional demolition. The initiative, supported by grants, involves salvaging materials from 11 homes for resale, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
New Roots Charter School in Ithaca introduces the "Roots of Success" program, offering juniors and seniors Environmental Literacy certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. The initiative, funded by the Park Foundation, addresses the need for green workforce development and sustainable development in poverty-stricken areas.
County Rolls Out Green Facilities Project
The City and Town of Ithaca passed the Energy Code Supplement (ECS) to cut carbon emissions from buildings. New constructions must emit 40% less greenhouse gases by 2023, aiming for an 80% reduction. The ECS offers two compliance paths and was developed over four years with stakeholder input.
Tompkins County begins phase one of its Green Facilities Project, focused on reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability. Measures include geothermal installations and LED lighting. Despite challenges like cost increases, the project moves forward, aiming to set a standard for environmentally friendly facilities.
Farewell to Get Your GreenBack Tompkins
MORE STORIES (2010 - 2020)
Ithaca 2030 District Sees Progress Towards Greener Downtown
New Roots Kicks Off Green Jobs Pilot
Cornell and Ithaca Join Together in Finger Lakes Energy Compact
The Energy Warriors program, in partnership with BlocPower, offers training in environmental justice and sustainability, culminating in practical experience through the Cozy Basements! initiative for energy-efficient weatherization, showcasing a commitment to climate solutions and green jobs.
Cooperative Extension Receives $3.5M Grant for Clean Energy Hub
2021
"Our Changing Menu" explores how climate change impacts food, affecting crop yields, water availability, and nutritional quality. It discusses efforts by scientists and farmers to develop resilient crops and adapt to climate challenges, urging readers to become informed and take action.
Nexamp Moves to New Model
City and Town of Ithaca Approve Energy Code Supplement
Tompkins Workforce Development Connects to Climate Change
Get Your GreenBack Tompkins, led by Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County, wraps up its 12-year initiative promoting sustainable practices. The program emphasized community engagement, diverse solutions, and equity, transitioning to a new Regional Clean Energy Hub for continued sustainability efforts.
Nexamp in Lansing has embraced agrivoltaics, integrating farm animals into their solar facility. This innovative approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also benefits local agriculture and the environment. The model has been successful, with plans for expansion, showcasing a win-win scenario for renewable energy and farming.
The Ithaca 2030 District demonstrates successful collaboration to enhance building sustainability and reduce emissions. Since 2016, it has grown significantly, with members achieving notable reductions in energy and water usage by 2022. Despite challenges with commuter emissions, the district remains focused on its goals, showcasing proactive urban sustainability efforts.
Collegetown Deconstruction Project Underway
New Cornell Book: "Our Changing Menu"
2023
PRI opened the "Warren D. Allmon Changing Climate: Our Future, Our Choice" exhibit, emphasizing human-induced climate change. It urges action through education and advocacy, featuring interactive elements and a feedback station. Warren Allmon stresses the exhibit's significance in addressing climate challenges and encourages public engagement.
Ithaca Launches City-Wide Decarbonization Plan
County Approves New Chief Sustainability Officer Position
Cornell Earns STARS Platinum Sustainability Rating
HeatSmart Tompkins Marches Forward
Town of Ithaca Adopts Green New Deal
Ithaca 2030 District Grows
Sustainable Finger Lakes Platform
Sunrise Ithaca
Ithaca Green New Deal
Cascadilla Solar Farm
LimeBike in Tompkins
Largest Tompkins Community Solar Farm Completed
Ithaca Green Building Policy Report Approved
IC Moves to 100% Renewables
Tompkins, Town of Ithaca Certified as Climate Smart Communities
Tompkins Named Clean Energy Community
Ithaca 2030 District Launched
County Buys Local Hydro Power
Ithaca College Says Yes to Solar
County Legislature Approves Sustainable Energy Loan Program
City of Ithaca Goes Solar
Solar Tompkins Exceeds Its Goal: 400 Installations Scheduled
The First LEED Platinum Existing Building in Tompkins
Local Author Publishes Book on Green Building
TC3 to Install Large-Scale Solar Array
TCCPI at Five Years: Climate Protection Progress in Tompkins County
Southern Tier Group Seeks to Expand Wood-Pellet Heating
Cornell Receives Grant for Large-Scale Solar Project
Magnolia House Provides Green Homeless Shelter
TCCPI Steering Committee Member Speaks at ICLEI World Congress
New 50 KW Solar Array Powers Up at EcoVillage
Ithaca Tompkins Airport Receives "Going Green" Award
ASI Energy Snags First ENERGYSTAR for a NY Fraternity House
Town of Ithaca Moves Forward with Climate Action Plans
Tompkins County and EVI Awarded Major EPA Grant
Energy Upgrade Stories from INHS
INHS Does LEED
Cornell to Invest $46 Million in Energy Conservation
TCAction Weatherizes Senior Housing in Dryden
Building Sustainable Communities the INHS Way
CCETC Energy Upgrade Videos
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCETC) receives a $3.5 million grant from NYSERDA to establish a Clean Energy Hub for the Southern Tier, promoting clean energy awareness and access to programs and jobs.
2022
309 North Aurora Street | Ithaca, NY 14850 | info@tccpi.org
Cornell University, Ithaca City, and Town formed the Finger Lakes Energy Compact, recognized by the UN for sustainability. Goals include carbon neutrality by 2030 and clean energy transition. Initiatives like community choice aggregation and an Electrification Fund drive fossil fuel replacement with renewables, prioritizing affordability. This local action tackles climate change amid federal inaction.
PRI Opens New Exhibit About Climate Change
Ithaca became the first city in the U.S. to approve a plan to decarbonize all its 6,000 buildings, focusing on replacing carbon-emitting utilities with electric alternatives. Collaborating with private investors and startups, the city aims to raise funds for energy-efficient modifications to reduce its carbon footprint.
Success Stories
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