Air Quality:

Clearing the Air on the Upper East Side

You may have seen recent news coverage of the air quality problems on the Upper East Side. According to the New York City Community Air Survey the Upper East Side has particularly high levels of sulfur dioxide as a result of heating oil burned for fuel. Click here to read the New York Times coverage of this issue.

On July 21, 2010 CIVITAS sponsored a panel discussion called Clearing the Air on the Upper East Side and brought together a panel of experts to discuss the problem with heating oil No. 6 as well as alternative heating options.

Read more about the forum at www.civitasnyc.blogspot.com.

Visit Environmental Defense Fund's www.dirtybuildings.org to find out if you live in a "dirty building".

Left: Isabelle Silverman presents an oil sample; Right: Samples of heating oil No. 6 (left) and No. 2 (right)


Click on a panelist to view PowerPoint presentations and read on for panel bios:

Isabelle Silverman

Lewis M. Kwit

Sean Wade

Kizzy Charles-Guzman (presentation has been requested)

We would love to hear your feedback on the July 21 discussion. If you attended our event please share your thoughts by filling out a quick online survey. Your feedback is valuable as we plan future programming and outreach on heating oil pollution.

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Isabelle Silverman
Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund

Isabelle Silverman is an attorney with the Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Energy Program where she specializes in improving local air quality and energy efficiency in buildings. Before making the switch to the environmental nonprofit world Ms. Silverman worked at the environmental consulting firm Ecosens in her native Switzerland, and at the international law firm McDermott, Will & Emery in New York City. After working for Inform Inc. as a corporate partnership liaison she joined EDF, a leading national environmental nonprofit organization, in 2004. Ms. Silverman graduated magna cum laude from The University of Zurich Law School and completed a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law at Pace University in New York City.

Download Ms. Silverman's FAQ How to Switch from Dirty Heating Oil to Cleaner Fuel handout.


Lewis M. Kwit
President, Energy Investment Systems, Inc.

Lewis M. Kwit founded Energy Investment Systems (EIS) in 1983 to develop solutions to spiraling energy costs in New York City’s residential sector. Today he leads EIS in research and implementation of residential sustainability audits that incorporate heating system conversions, advanced electric metering and a series of other advanced energy-saving technologies. EIS’s real-time pricing work is cited in PlaNYC for a Greener, Greater New York, and it was a NYSERDA 25th Anniversary Pioneer Award Winner for “excellence in energy innovation for the State of NY,” for work on behalf of the city’s multifamily buildings. Frequent author and speaker, Lewis was 2004 Energy Service Professional of the Year of the Association of Energy Engineers/NY Chapter.


Sean Wade
Resident Manager, The Future Condominium

Sean Wade has been a Resident Manager for five years and has worked at the Future Condominium for the past two. In 2006 he completed the Residential Technical Assistance (RESTECH) program through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Mr. Wade is a certified Multifamily Building Operator and a certified Multifamily Building Analyst under the Building Performance Institute (BPI), the school being utilized for the 1000 Green Supers Initiative launched by Mayor Bloomberg in conjunction with 32BJ and the Realty Advisory Board. Mr. Wade served in the Marine Corps from 2000 to 2006 where he achieved rank of Sergeant. He is a graduate of John Jay College with a BS in Criminal Justice.

To learn more about participating in the 32BJ Training Program visit wwww.1000supers.com or download a brochure here.


Kizzy Charles-Guzman
Policy Advisor, The Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning & Sustainability

Kizzy Charles-Guzman is the Policy Advisor on Air Quality for the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability. Ms. Charles-Guzman is responsible for implementing the air quality initiatives and environmental planning efforts outlined in PlaNYC 2030 in coordination with City and non-City agencies. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, she worked in the non-profit sector, collaborating with environmental, social justice, and children’s health advocacy groups on air pollution and public health issues.

Stay tuned for updates on The City's efforts to reduce the use of heating oil No. 6 through policy and learn how you can influence positive change through your local government.

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Remember to share your feedback about the panel discussion by filling out a quick online survey. Your feedback is valuable as we plan future programming and outreach on heating oil pollution.


Visit our Green Building Resources page for more information about local and national programs to introduce environmentally friendly upgrades to your home.