The core mission of CMI is to expand the existing impact of NRDC by creating conditions for redirecting capital flows toward sustainable uses. We do so by engaging with the business community, articulating and implementing value propositions in relevant areas.
Center for Market Innovation
Recent Projects
High Performance Tenant Spaces
When energy efficiency measures are implemented at the same time as tenant space fit-outs in large commercial buildings, they represent only marginal costs in the context of the overall project, significantly reducing the time to realize financial payback. Learn More
New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation
An independent, public-private partnership, NYCEEC is tasked with catalyzing the development of a fully scaled, market-driven energy efficiency retrofit industry in New York City, where buildings consume 80% of the city's energy and produce 75% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Learn More
Case Study: Li & Fung USA (LFUSA)
Li & Fung USA (LFUSA), a global consumer goods company, has committed to design and construct a high performance tenant space in the Empire State Building to reduce energy demand, increase efficiency, and improve indoor environmental quality. Learn More
Our Team
John Rhodes
John Rhodes is Director for the Center for Market Innovation. The Center works through replicable and broadly scalable innovations to channel private capital towards environmentally beneficial investments. The work currently focuses on energy efficiency, renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable food and agriculture.
Yerina Mugica
Yerina Mugica is Associate Director at NRDC's Center for Market Innovation, specializing in developing clean energy solutions that work for consumers, business and the environment.
Wendy Fok
Wendy Fok is Project Director for CMI's High Performance Demonstration Project and leads the overall development and execution.
Douglass Sims
Douglass Sims, Senior Energy Project Finance Specialist, joined the Center for Market Innovation in April 2010. Doug works on issues relating to the financing of renewable power in the US and internationally.
Latest Blog Posts
Factsheets, Reports, and Other Resources
The Hidden Potential of Tenant Spaces
The Leader, March/April 2013: While it comes as no surprise that one of the most effective strategies to reduce operational costs and energy waste is to improve energy efficiency in buildings and across real estate portfolios, often overlooked is the potential of energy savings within the leased tenant space. Read More
Tenant Space Case Study: Natural Resources Defense Council Washington, D.C. Office
In July 2011, NRDC relocated its Washington, D.C. office to a new space designed with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, projected to yield a 30 percent annual energy savings, compared to expected energy use if the office were built to the minimum energy code requirements. Read More
CMI's Business Plan
CMI's mission is to advance market mechanisms that channel capital toward environmentally sustainable and economically profitable investments. Our goal is to help finance the shift to a green economy. Read More
Energy Efficiency Lease Guidance
Traditional lease provisions create a split incentive that divides operating and capital expenses between landlords and tenants, diminishing the landlord's recovery of capital invested in energy efficiency. These guidelines establish a framework within which both building owners and occupants can maximize the energy efficiency of their operations. Read More
