January 2016
Past Issues | Advertise

Committee Power: Make it Yours

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

Three opportunities to make a difference lie within the critical work done by the Preparedness, Codes & Regulations/Government Affairs and Energy/Sustainability Committee. They are highlighted here as reported by BOMA/NY’s professional support for these committees, Daniel Avery, Director of Legislative Affairs. Contact him at daniel@bomany.com to become part of their vital work.

Paris, the Pope and Keeping a Trillion Dollar Skyline Safe: Preparedness Committee

"The work of the committee has been remarkable," says Louis J. Trimboli, RPA/FMA/LEED AP, committee chair. Performing the important work evident in its title, the Preparedness Committee "is the go-to group for the entire region when issues of safety and threats arise," Lou says. Testifying to the Committee’s effectiveness, he reports, "the newest members are the FBI and NYS Police. We now have every critical agency on the committee that our members would ever need."

Daniel underscores Lou’s point with these 2015 successes. "Last year, we established and solidified a regional preparedness program with BOMA affiliates encompassing the Mid-Atlantic States from DC to Buffalo to Pittsburgh. We hold quarterly conference calls and also communicate as needed—during the Papal visit last year, DC, NY, NJ and Philadelphia stayed in daily contact to share information, observation and experiences." Following the November Paris terrorist attack, "we were briefed by all relevant law enforcement agencies—NYPD SHIELD, OEM, Homeland Security, etc.—on lessons learned, as well as preparations for the Christmas/New Year holiday seasons."

Official Charge: Identifies and disseminates information, guidance and standards on emergency preparedness, building security and related; acts as a quick response team in emergencies

Tackling the Tough Issues: Codes & Regulations/Government Affairs

Codes & Regs had its hands full in 2015—from legionella outbreaks to thorny legislation affecting quality of life and how we perform our jobs. "The Committee worked hard on NYC’s emergency, legal and regulatory efforts to control the legionella outbreaks," reports Daniel, in summarizing the committee’s key work in 2015. "It also tracked, offered testimony and otherwise influenced city legislation on many topics including the Air Pollution Code, construction noise and the noise code, and a bill that would have reduced permit capacity to handle solid waste," he says. "In November, we staged the Annual Conference and Leadership Breakfast, featuring the DOB and its Building One City reform package, where the Commissioner conveyed exactly how the plan’s sweeping changes would impact commercial real estate."

Official Charge: Fields government advocacy teams, critical issue task forces and numerous subcommittees focusing on local/state/federal laws, codes and regs; produces Annual Conference and Leadership Breakfast

Diving into the Details of 80 X 50: Energy/Sustainability Committee

Two of the biggest issues that faced this committee in 2015, and that are back on the agenda for 2016, are 80 X 50 and the ongoing "iterations of the Energy Conservation Code, which is updated every three years," says Daniel. "Due to previous delays, the Code is undergoing a second update in as many years. On the 80 X 50 process we’ve been actively engaged in a general working group and on several smaller task forces to both shape the program, and make sure that the interests of commercial real estate are taken into consideration. We play a similar role for the Energy Conservation Code, participating on an advisory board at the DOB."

Official Charge: Disseminates knowledge on planning, managing and using energy; encourages sustainability practices; produces annual Energy Action Day

For more information, click here. Get involved—and make a difference!