New York City’s air quality is in jeopardy and the primary culprits are the heating systems of its buildings. They release 50% more soot and an astonishing 17 times more sulfur dioxide than vehicles on its roads according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Individual buildings can, however, take a critical step towards sustainability and energy efficiency by converting their heating systems from burning dirty oil to burning natural gas or No. 2 heating oil. This single act has many benefits, from emission reduction and health benefits to lower energy costs, price stability and energy security.
Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel available and the New York City government has become a strong supporter of this alternative to oil. With a goal to “achieve the cleanest air quality of any big U.S. city,” New York City’s 2007 PlaNYC: A Greener Greater New York advocates the use of cleaner burning fuels by setting a fuel conversion timetable for high polluting city-owned buildings as well as committing to strengthen the natural gas infrastructure for long-term energy security.
The switch from oil to gas can positively impact environmental and health quality and save buildings money. While burning natural gas produces carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and mercury compounds, burning oil results in much higher counts of NOx, CO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2), methane and mercury compounds. Switching from #6 oil to natural gas would reduce PM emissions by 95%, SO2 by 100%, NOx by 75% percent. Emission reductions through oil-to-natural gas conversion profoundly impact the surrounding air quality in densely populated areas such as New York City, which has received failing grades from the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and the American Lung Association.
Conversion to natural gas is also a sound economic choice. According to the NY Mercantile Exchange, the average 2010 price of natural gas plus delivery charges for commercial customers, such as a residential building, is $1.51/gallon, adjusting gas in therms to an equivalent heat-producing unit of oil. It has moved steadily downward since June 2008.