This appointment is the first of its type for the health system
The health system has already achieved a 30% reduction in operational carbon dioxide emissions since 2006 and aims to hit a 50% reduction target by 2030
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the appointment of Omer Cabuk, ME as its first ever Chief Decarbonization Officer. In this role, Omer will spearhead the organization’s robust decarbonization initiatives, adhering to the targets set by Local Law 97 of 2019, which mandates a 40% reduction in operational emissions by 2025 and a 50% reduction by 2030. He will serve as an executive-level strategist, partnering with leadership team, capital project leads, facilities management staff, and other key stakeholders to fully embed energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy initiatives for the built environment into corporation’s policy, operations, and capital planning. He will also advise executive leadership on strategic opportunities, critical issues, and risks impacting decarbonization efforts within the organization’s operations. His appointment was effective April 8.
Omer will also support the health system’s Climate Resiliency Goals by implementing decarbonization projects and initiatives that reduce environmental impacts, enhance energy reliability, improve public health, and ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Today’s announcement builds on the health system’s Climate Resiliency Plan announced last week.
Omer Cabuk brings experience and a proven track record to his new role. As the former Senior Director of Decarbonization and Sustainability at NYC Health + Hospitals, he led significant decarbonisation projects that substantially reduced both direct and purchased energy emissions. These initiatives were crucial in enabling the organization to sign the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge in May 2022, which includes commitments to reduce direct and purchased energy emissions, complete a climate resilience study, and conduct an inventory of all indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in an organization’s value chain. Additionally, during his tenure, Omer managed an annual utilities budget of $100 million, optimizing and reducing costs associated with gas, electricity, and district steam utilities.
“Omer has worked tirelessly on the essential work of decarbonization and sustainability at our facilities,” said Manuel Saez, PhD, Vice President of the Office of Facilities Development at NYC Heath + Hospitals. “This new role shows NYC Health + Hospitals’ commitment to providing the best possible care for our community by ensuring resiliency throughout the system.”
“Omer Cabuk’s appointment as Chief Decarbonization Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals marks a pivotal moment in our city’s fight against climate change, and his extensive experience and proven track record in sustainability will be instrumental in advancing our decarbonization goals,” said Sana Barakat, Department of Citywide Administrative Services Deputy Commissioner for Energy Management, and the City’s Chief Decarbonization Officer. “We are committed to building a healthier, more resilient future for all New Yorkers, and ensuring that our facilities not only meet, but exceed our carbon reduction targets through the appointment of agency decarbonization officers is paramount.”
“I am deeply honored to continue advancing our sustainability initiatives in this new capacity, driving forward the decarbonization agenda and leveraging innovative electrification and renewable energy technologies to reduce our emissions further,” said Omer Cabuk, ME, Chief Decarbonization Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “I am excited to collaborate with our dedicated teams across various departments—from capital development to facility operations and executive management—to not only meet, but hope to exceed our carbon footprint reduction goals, adhere to New York City sustainability mandates, and achieve operational cost efficiencies.”
With the support of a team of decarbonization professionals, Omer is dedicated to implementing comprehensive policies, strategies, and projects that meet the rigorous requirements of Local Law 97, HHS Climate Pledge and other NYC Sustainability laws. His strategy includes fostering a culture of sustainability within the corporation, enhancing workforce development, and empowering all team members to contribute to the health system’s environmental objectives.
Omer’s extensive career with the City of New York, which began in 2004 as a construction engineer and later as an Energy Liaison at the Parks Department, spans over two decades. He has held numerous significant positions that have refined his expertise in energy management, including Energy Project Manager at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, Deputy Director of Optimization at the Department of Education, and Agency Energy Manager & Director of the PM Program at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Omer holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pamukkale University and a Master of Engineering from The City College of New York. He also holds several important certifications from the Association of Energy Engineers, including Certified Energy Manager, Certified Energy Auditor, Certified Building Commissioning Professional, and Certified Demand Side Manager. His extensive knowledge in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and building controls, combined with his vast experience in managing energy-efficient and sustainability projects, has established him as a key leader in NYC Health + Hospitals’ efforts toward environmental stewardship.
Source & Image Credit: NYC Health + Hospitals
