EPICenter growth will mitigate problems common to all major metropolises: the urban heat island effect, water and air quality, energy and building efficiency. The urban experience for citizens will shift from that of isolation to one of expanding connectivity to their community. Key Elements: 1. Information Exchange. Environmental Planning Institution Centers (EPICenters) will be both a testing ground for the implementation of green infrastructure, as well as a feed back loop on the social, economic and environmental program impacts. This physical connection to social and information networks will amplify the development of green spaces in the private sector, inform policy change and increase the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable infrastructure in NYC. 2. Rooftop Park. This is the setting for the institution and the training grounds for the education programs. It is an inspirational place where people can emotionally reconnect to nature and remember that beyond the long term financial and health incentives, there is a need for emotional healing and interconnectedness in our fractured urban communities. 3. EPIC Programs. Will train individuals for green collar jobs, ranging from landscaping and urban farming to solar and alternative energy installation as well as home insulating and efficiency upgrades. The same information that is used to train will show neighborhood residents applications for their homes, buildings, and communities and the financial and environmental impacts of each application. They connect the workforce directly to their community. EPICenters’ unique approach adapts its programs to the needs of the community and cultivates the difference in the social and physical infrastructure needs for each location. It leverages the desire for green spaces, open space, connectivity and profitable enterprise in local communities.

Describe the current stage of your initiative and your implementation plan over the next three years

The EPICenters project is in the early development stages. The project looks to capitalize on successful environmental and community empowerment work, and to provide a missing link that connects the broad web of organizations. The EcoSystem’s team is working to partner with a number of organizations and institutions - including the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment, Sustainable South Bronx, Solar One, and Columbia University – that have developed comprehensive programs and unique projects involving training and community education. EPICenters will plant interactive community nodes throughout the City that allow individuals to access a centralized information resource and to participate in educational and demonstrative programs. Whereas our planned partners’ success builds from committed staff, the EPICenters public information component will provide a resource accessible to anyone from any point, expanding the reach of the programs while reducing the cost coefficient.

Implementation Plan
1. Create partnerships to develop three pilot locations. We intend for the pilot projects to target areas with a crossover of needs as well as active community organizers to ensure that adequate resources and interest support the pilot projects.

2. Research and develop programmatic components, which will be two-fold: a virtual information portal providing the cornerstone node for each Center, and the training programs. The project team will research and develop an IT platform that both provides a clearinghouse of sustainability information to users and provides feedback to City policy-makers to improve their understanding of community needs and demand. The team will work with City agency staff, our partner organizations and the communities to research and consolidate information into a web-based system that will provide high-impact dissemination of practices and customized sustainability plans.

3. Raise additional funds with partners for installation of relevant example technologies and program related tools as well as information kiosks for public access points.

Describe how your strategy meets the entry criteria ("What We're Looking For")

EPICenters overcome the lack of community support and empowerment to impact urban development and bridge the disconnect between city policy and community needs and desires.

EPICenters recognize the future need for streamlined information dissemination. For widespread adoption of green infrastructure, efficient navigation of complex permitting, application, and incentive processes is key.

As cities grow, green space decreases and the pressure on existing, aged infrastructure increases. EPICenters maximize the benefits of traditionally underutilized space, and enables communities to harness the efficiencies of natural systems.

The project expands proven, verifiable programs with available technologies, while responding to an identified gap. The adaptive nature of EPICenters’ programs and the inclusive cooperation of stakeholders will allow the programs to be replicated in any urban setting. With 50% of world population in cities already, this type of programming will become increasing relevant for the future of sustainable cities.

Describe the qualifications and experience of you and/or your team and your ability to execute your implementation plan

The EcoSystems team of consultants will lead EPICenters development. With a track record of innovation in environmental design and a powerful approach to collaborative development they continue to provide comprehensive, inspired solutions to social and environmental challenges.

Providing additional consultation, Erin Hyland is lending her expertise in sustainable development policy-making, strategic planning, and infrastructure development. Her portfolio of projects includes assignments in Asia, Latin America, North America, Europe, and Africa. Erin has a BS in biology from Cornell University and a MS in Urban Planning from Columbia University. She has worked as a consultant with Halcrow, the United Nations Environment Program and other international associations.

Recognizing our personal limitations, EcoSystems will engage outside consultants for the development of specific project areas: IT development, political navigation, and scientific input. Partnering with leading community organizations, real estate developers, and City agency staff and other critical inputs to the EPICenter project are vital to its success.