Air Quality

In 1997, the Garden installed one of the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Stations and converted our fleet of diesel trams and other Garden Vehicles, reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 48% in these vehicles. We are also using smaller electric vehicles (golf carts, utility carts) to replace gasoline fueled pick-up trucks and vans. Most recently, the Garden was awarded a grant for two electric trucks through a program with the NYS Attorney General’s office.

Also in 1997, the Garden’s major heating plants (Conservatory and Library) were converted from #4 heating oil to dual fuel (natural gas/oil). The primary fuel, natural gas, has a 51% lower GHG emission than #4 heating oil.

Every year since 2007, the Garden performs a carbon audit that measures how much GHG emissions we produce. Since establishing our baseline (2MT eCO2 with a building area of 412,000 square feet), we have decreased our emissions by 53% while increasing our building area by 90% (due primarily to the addition of the parking garage).