NYS agencies issue 2018-19 Greeny Report on sustainable practices
The New York State agencies have issued the 2018-19 Greening New York State Report, which documents how innovative energy efficiency and sustainability programs have substantially reduced energy use in state buildings, tripled the generation of solar energy over the past two years, and significantly curbed paper use.
The report issued on Monday August 24, 2020, highlights a 22.6 percent reduction in state agency energy use over the last decade, especially in large state buildings, through the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) BuildSmart NY program.
The report also states that the energy reduction exceeded Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s 2012 goal established by Executive Order 88 for reducing energy use 20 percent by 2020 and that State agencies also cut paper use in half over the last 10 years, and doubled the composting of organic waste over the last five years.
The report which was developed by the Department of Environmental Conservation, NYPA, Office of General Services (OGS), and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, details progress on a wide range of key green initiatives.
In addition, the Governor has also launched the GreenNY Council, a multi-agency working group led by DEC, NYPA, OGS, and NYSERDA and charged it with helping agencies implement the State’s lead-by-example directives.
He said, “The GreenNY Council will serve as a key resource to support the State’s strategy for reducing agency greenhouse gas emissions.”
Council members have been working together for more than a year to leverage resources, create guidance, harmonize reporting, and make it easier for agencies to meet the State’s ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Through Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State agencies and authorities are redoubling their efforts to prevent waste, curb energy use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“I am proud of the work DEC and our partners are undertaking to demonstrate how to effectively implement these strategies as part of our everyday operations.
“This report confirms our actions are benefitting New York’s environment and the economy,” he added.
NYPA President and CEO Gil Quinones said, “NYPA is proud to exceed the goal established by the Governor in Executive Order 88 for a substantial reduction in energy use by this year and to be part of an inspired team charged with helping agencies continue to reduce energy use and their overall environmental footprint.”
“Working together, we are not only meeting the Governor’s ambitious energy reduction and sustainability goals, we are reaching higher to protect the environment and make our state healthier for the families who live and work here as well as more resilient for the future,” they added.
OGS Commissioner RoAnn Destito also said, “OGS plays a key part in New York’s lead by example efforts, both through procurement and real property services.”
Destito continued that “I am proud of our award-winning achievements in green procurement and committed to working with the Council to enhance sustainability in leased and OGS owned and managed space.”
“The Governor has made it clear that in the absence of federal leadership, New York must take the lead, and that the time for action is now,” he added.
NYSERDA Acting President and CEO Doreen M. Harris, said, “NYSERDA is committed to the Governor’s vision of a clean, healthy and prosperous New York.
“We are a proud partner with our sister agencies as we transition the State toward its goal to achieve 100 percent zero emission electricity by 2040, and advance the statewide scale up of clean, renewable energy.”
The Greening New York State Report shows that efforts to reduce energy use and waste result in significant savings.
The full report can be accessed here.
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