1. CLEAN HEAT PROGRAM
REDUCES AIR
POLLUTION IN NEW
YORK CITY
By GC Environmental, New York

2. Introduction
 New York’s GC Environmental provides a full range of
environmental consulting services to commercial and
government clients. GC Environmental has specific
experience helping New York City buildings meet
Clean Heat requirements established by the city’s
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Beginning in 2012, the DEP required buildings to
convert to cleaner heating oils.
Established in 2011, the Clean Heat initiative
addresses the high levels of air pollution caused by
the burning of three grades of heavy heating oil. When
burned, heavy oils, such as the tar-like No. 6 oil,
release fine particulates, referred to as PM 2.5.

3. Clean Heat Program
 These particulates can embed in people’s lungs
and aggravate existing respiratory conditions or
cause cardiovascular issues.
By converting to cleaner fuels, the city expects to
achieve significant health benefits for its residents.
Since establishing the Clean Heat program, the
city has already witnessed a 50 percent drop in
PM 2.5 emissions. Through reductions of these
particulates and overall reductions in air pollution,
the city anticipates declines in emergency room
visits and hospital admittances due to lung and
cardiovascular diseases.