FAQ's

What do you measure?

We measure energy usage, water usage and CO2 emissions from transportation and compare that to the District baseline. Learn more about our goals in the 2030 District Goals section.

What are the benefits of membership?

Benefits vary depending on membership type. Free benchmarking services and access to a wealth of information are just some of the benefits that our members enjoy. For additional details, see the Member Benefits section.

What does membership offer that I could not otherwise find on my own?

Membership provides Ithaca 2030 District specific member services, as well as exclusive access to limited pro-bono professional services from District members, and the ability to provide input on District policy and incentives issues. Members also have access to the 2030 Districts Marketplace, which offers HVAC controls, advanced metering, LED lighting, high performance windows, and electric vehicle chargers at significant discounts. Additional benefits include admission to 2030 District-sponsored educational sessions and the opportunity to connect with peers that are committed to sharing lessons-learned and realizing a high performing district.

What does it cost to be a member?

There are currently no fees associated with membership; however, member contribution requirements vary based on member type.

What contributions are required from property owners, managers and developer members?

All property owners are required to share energy, water and transportation data with the District.  Sharing of energy and water data is through the free Portfolio Manager online tool.  Individual data will not be released publicly.

Professional and community members are required to provide an in-kind service to property owners to assist in achieving the Ithaca 2030 District goals.

How did you set the Performance Baselines?

Our energy reduction baseline is set by Energy Star, which is based on a national database. We are currently developing our water and transportation baselines. These baselines are underpinned by a great deal of specific research and information.

How do you collect performance information?

Property owners and managers record their energy and water use in a free Energy Start Portfolio Manager account. They grant the Ithaca 2030 District read-only access to this account. We do not share this information in an identifiable way without a property owner or property manager’s permission.

If we share water, energy and transportation information, how do we know this is secure?  Who sees this data?

Published data will be aggregated for all reporting properties and will not identify the individual building owner, name, address or square footage unless the owner explicitly permits this. Data is only viewed by Ithaca 2030 District steering committee and Architecture 2030, and is not shared with the City of Ithaca, other District Members, or third parties. Owners can choose to publish their performance data as a case study through the District’s website or annual report.

If I join as a developer, does this require our organization to meet the District’s performance requirements for all our future renovation projects and/or new construction projects?

Property owners, managers and developers are expected to make a good-faith effort to meet the District’s performance goals for the existing and/or new buildings under their control and in their portfolio within the 2030 District boundary. The timing for portfolio performance upgrades and/or the development of new properties is affected by a myriad of factors. There is not a requirement to bring individual existing buildings into compliance within a specific timeframe.

What’s the relationship between the Ithaca 2030 District as a public-private partnership and the City of Ithaca?

The Ithaca 2030 District is a privately led, voluntary membership organization and participation is not required by any government entity. The City of Ithaca supports the organization’s energy, water and transportation goals and to that aim has joined the District as a Community Member, as well as a Building Owner member.

How is the Ithaca 2030 District related to or different from Architecture 2030, the AIA+2030 Professional Education Series, the AIA 2030 Commitment and other 2030 Districts around the United States?

The year 2030 is widely considered as the decisive deadline for achieving a carbon-free society in order to mitigate catastrophic climate change.  In response to this crisis, the non-profit organization, Architecture 2030, was founded by Edward Mazria in 2002. This organization put forth the 2030 Challenge, a set of defined performance targets that incrementally step down carbon emissions from the built environment to zero emissions in the year 2030. To support this challenge, other organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have used these targets as the framework for programs such as the AIA’s 2030 Commitment. The AIA+2030 Professional Education Series is an education program created by AIA Seattle, in partnership with Architecture 2030, and is now provided by 23 AIA chapters and other partners throughout North America. 2030 Districts across the United States may vary in approach, however, they all establish performance goals based on the 2030 Challenge for Planners.