With more than 1.6 billion square feet of rooftops in New York City, green roofs and solar panels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, providing a rainwater buffer, purified air, lower ambient temperature and noise, higher solar panel efficiency and increased biodiversity. In particular, the sedums, herbs, grasses or host plants that are included in the a green roof promote the habitat of birds, butterflies and insects, especially in the city environment which is mainly concrete and asphalt.

Under specific requirements, New York City provides property tax abatement for building owners who decide to install a green roof and solar panels on it.

The Department's sustainability experts guide building owners through the construction application process to install solar panels and green roofs. They also assist with properly completing the required documents and help applicants meet key tax abatement deadlines.