GreenNY Council Releases 13th Greening New York State Report Highlighting Sustainability Efforts

Strategic Insights -

The GreenNY Council has released its 13th Greening New York State report, detailing the state's progress in reducing energy use, improving energy efficiency, decreasing waste generation, and increasing the purchase of green products and services. The report highlights the state's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization, as outlined in Executive Order 22, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state aims to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency through energy-efficiency projects, such as electrification, smart building automation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems, which are expected to save 1.5 trillion BTUs of energy.
  • The state has achieved a 50% reduction in waste produced compared to FY 2022-23 and has implemented a comprehensive project to improve the use of GreenNY purchasing specifications.
  • The state has invested $228 million in the economy to support environmentally preferred products and services and has planted 67,818 trees.
  • The GreenNY Council, co-chaired by the DEC, NYPA, OGS, DOB, and NYSERDA, has collected data from 75 agencies and authorities covered under Executive Order 22.
  • Governor Hochul has demonstrated her commitment to Executive Order 22 by appropriating $100 million in capital funding to support State projects to reduce emissions and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
  • The funding will support energy-efficiency enhancements, renewable energy infrastructure projects, and other energy conservation measures.
  • The state aims to reduce emissions through various initiatives, including the transition of the state's fleet to zero-emission vehicles and the promotion of green products.

Statistics:

  • 1.5 trillion BTUs of energy savings expected from energy-efficiency projects
  • 50% reduction in waste produced compared to FY 2022-23 achieved
  • 89% overall recycling rate, including construction and demolition waste
  • 16.9 tons of material composted
  • 67,818 trees planted
  • $228 million invested in the economy to support environmentally preferred products and services
  • 100 million in capital funding appropriated by Governor Hochul to support State projects to reduce emissions and mitigate and adapt to climate change

Sources:

  • "GreenNY Council Announces Release of 13th Greening New York State Report" (PDF) published by the GreenNY Council
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  • New York Power Authority
  • Office of General Services
  • Division of Budget
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority