GreenNY Council Issues Annual Sustainability Report Highlighting State's Environmental Achievements and Energy Efficiency Milestones

The GreenNY Council today announced the release of the 13th Greening New York State report (PDF) highlighting actions that State agencies and authorities are taking to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency, decrease waste generation, increase the purchasing of green products and services, and other related initiatives. The report documents progress toward meeting the requirements in Executive Order 22, "Leading by Example: Directing State Agencies to Adopt a Sustainability and Decarbonization Program," signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2022.

The sustainability highlights in fiscal year 2023-24 include:

• 1.5 trillion BTUs of energy savings at State facilities through energy-efficiency projects documented in BuildSmart 2025;
• 50 percent reduction in waste produced compared to FY 2022-23;
• Initiating a comprehensive project to improve the use of GreenNY purchasing specifications;
• Achieving an 89 percent overall recycling rate, including construction and demolition waste;
• 16.9 tons of material composted;
• 67,818 trees planted; and
• $228 million invested in the economy to support environmentally preferred products and services.

Through the Executive Order, the GreenNY Council supports New York State's sustainability efforts. The Council, co-chaired by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York Power Authority (NYPA), Office of General Services (OGS), Division of Budget (DOB), and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), collected data from 75 agencies and authorities covered under the Executive Order.

Governor Hochul has demonstrated her commitment to Executive Order 22 by appropriating $100 million in capital funding during her tenure. The funding supports State projects to reduce emissions and mitigate and adapt to climate change. More specifically, it is enabling energy-efficiency enhancements such as electrification projects upgrading building systems from fossil fuels; smart building automation and controls; new high-efficiency HVAC systems; and other energy conservation measures. Funding also supports renewable energy infrastructure projects including photovoltaic technologies, including rooftop and parking canopy photovoltaic systems; geothermal HVAC systems; onsite battery storage; and other renewable energy infrastructure.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Governor Hochul's leadership is delivering real progress to accelerate New York State's transition to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. The progress outlined in the annual GreenNY Council report shows that NY is walking the walk and leading by example in sustainability and climate actions that will improve the health and lives of all New Yorkers."

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Governor Hochul's leadership has provided the vision for how New York State collectively undertakes actions that embrace cleaner, more sustainable business operations. The Greening New York State report highlights key data and accomplishments, transparently showing progress, and how we are persistently pursuing results that make a difference."

OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "OGS is proud to co-lead the GreenNY Council and work closely with our state government partners in delivering Governor Hochul's ambitious commitments to advancing sustainability and climate resiliency in New York State. This report showcases the power of this partnership. Whether we're decarbonizing our buildings, supporting the transition of the state's fleet to zero-emission vehicles, or helping the state buy green products, we are dedicated to creating a better future for all New Yorkers."

NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll said, "The Power Authority is proud to support Governor Hochul's vision for a greener New York powered by clean energy, and the latest Greening New York State report illustrates the impact we are making in communities across the state in line with Executive Order 22. From NYPA's BuildSmart and Tree Power programs, to collaborative efforts with state facilities, the Power Authority is helping New York reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and support renewable energy infrastructure."

New York State Division of Budget Director Blake G. Washington said: "Under Governor Hochul's direction, New York State continues to set the bar nationally by investing in targeted initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of our State agencies. Through these efforts, we are making great strides towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all New Yorkers."

Supporting Agencies to Meet Sustainability Goals
The GreenNY Council is taking steps to leverage resources, create guidance, streamline sustainability reporting, update green procurement specifications and make it easier for affected entities to achieve the State's ambitious climate and sustainability goals. Additional information, including progress reports, links to resources on energy efficiency, reducing emissions and waste, reuse, recycling, composting, green cleaning, conserving natural resources, and general sustainable operations and purchasing is available on the GreenNY Council website.

New York State's Climate Agenda
New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.