Greening the Richardson Complex

One of the Platform’s planks calls on Buffalo to meet the commitment it made under the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce its carbon emissions. Buildings are the single largest source of carbon emissions in Buffalo, due to the carbon released in the processes of heating them, cooling them, and providing them with electricity. The renovation of a large, old complex such as the Richardson Complex offers an important opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and aid in the “greening” of our city. PPG proposes that the redevelopment of the Richardson Complex be guided by very high standards for environmental responsibility, particularly in the areas of energy use and water management. By making the complex as green as possible, the Corporation will serve three important goals: (1) protecting the environment; (2) reducing operating costs; and (3) making the Complex an educational resource on the importance and feasibility of green redevelopment