January 2016
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Words to Live By: For Eric Duchon, They're Communication, Communication, Communication

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Cushman & Wakefield knows Eric Duchon as its Director of Sustainability Strategies, the expert responsible for managing the firm’s internal corporate environmental initiatives and those of its prestigious clients, whom he supports in reaching their efficiency and corporate social responsibility goals. The industry is now getting to know Eric in a brand new role as Chair of BOMA/NY’s Energy/Sustainability Committee. His term began Jan. 1 and he led his first meeting Jan. 20. BOMAfacts spoke with Eric after that meeting to get his thoughts on the future, how the Committee can better serve members, and what members can bring to the Committee.

A. Short-term, we’d welcome more active participation by Principal and Associate members. We have a real need for more owners and managers in the room—they’re essential to the successful implementation of any energy program, as well as related feedback. So, I encourage owner and manager members to join us at our monthly meetings, which are held the third Thursday of every month from 8:30 to 9:30 am at the BOMA/NY office.

Long-term? Increasing our communications outreach to members and the industry. We’re brainstorming ways to do that now, such as writing advice articles for BOMAfacts, strengthening partnerships with related committees in REBNY, ULI, the Urban Green Council and more.

Q. What impending issues will the Committee be dealing with in 2016?

A. We monitor and are briefed on several critical issues or situations every month, including the future of Indian Point, commodity pricing, New York State’s REV (Reforming Energy Vision), pending utility rate cases, and the shortage of natural gas pipelines to serve the growing needs of the New York market. The latter has been exacerbated by the increased demand for natural gas and the state ban on natural gas fracking, which created a need for pipelines to distribute already fracked gas from states such as Pennsylvania. Multiple pipeline proposals have been rejected or delayed recently, pushing service dates into 2017.

One of our key goals this year is to make sure this information is disseminated to our membership in the most effective way possible.

Q. How will your Committee provide member value this year?

A. You’ll notice a theme by now—better communication on issues and topics to members is, in my view, the most important thing our Committee can do this year.

Q. What can we expect to see for Energy Action Day 2016?

A. Two of the front runners for topics are the One City Built to Last 80 X 50 Plan and NYS REV; we’re leaning more towards 80 X 50. But if we can tie both ideas together, that will be a powerful topic to explore. Our planning committee is meeting very soon and we’ll know if we need more helping hands then. However, if any members have ideas for speakers after reading this, please feel free to email me at eric.duchon@cushwake.com

Q. Anything else you want the members to know?

A. Yes! As the new chair, I have big shoes to fill, following our outgoing chair, Kevin McGrath of Boston Properties. Together with our Committee Vice Chair, Evan Walke of Westfield and all of my Committee, we look forward to supporting President Jim Kleeman’s goals for BOMA/NY!