Thank you for visiting NYSERDA's Web site for details on the sustainability aspect of our mission. This site is intended to be a resource for New Yorkers interested in learning more about sustainability, the process of continuing to pursue our energy goals without damage to the environment. In other words, we are demonstrating that "it is easy to be green!"
NYSERDA works in partnership with many other State agencies as part of the New York State's government's efforts to improve our energy landscape. Each year we get a little closer to our goal; and I am very proud of the progress that NYSERDA has made to date, but I want to solidify our commitment to continue down the path toward responsible guardianship of our earth. I firmly believe that the energy strides we make today are key to the success of our future economy, our environment, and the legacy we will leave to future generation.
I hope you will find this information presented here helpful. We welcome questions and suggestions, and your willingness to join us as we "go green!"
Bob Callender
Vice President for Programs
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Sustainability Efforts
As part of sustainability efforts at NYSERDA a staff-led group entitled "SustaiNYSERDA" was created. This group is helping NYSERDA to achieve important strides towards sustainability in the following ways:
Education
Increase employee awareness of sustainability issues within the organization to promote a culture
of sustainability that permeates throughout our professional and personal lives.
- Widespread visibility of sustainable practices by including SustaiNYSERDA’s mission in
the personnel handbook, postings on the intranet, announcements at all-staff meetings, etc
- Integrate program research and results into internal educational materials
- Brown bag seminars on a periodic basis to inform staff of topics related to sustainability
Energy
Reduce electricity consumption, implement energy conservation measures and practices, and use
clean, renewable energy sources, whenever possible.
- Strive to avert, minimize or reverse the growth of energy use in all offices
- Use ENERGY STAR appliances and equipment in NYSERDA facilities
Toxins
Minimize the use of toxic products, improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental
impacts.
- Prioritize entities that use low-VOC paints and organic products when contracting
- Purchase low-VOC carpeting and office furniture
- Support alternative pest management systems (such as Integrated Pest Management) that
minimize the use of pesticides and non-native species
Transportation
Reduce fuel consumption and the environmental impacts associated with commuting and
work-related transportation
- Increase the use of domestically produced clean, renewable fuels
- Encourage biking, walking, carpooling and using public transportation
- Facilitate carpooling for work related travel
Waste
Reduce generation of waste by increasing the level of recycling, the use of recycled and
recyclable products, and remanufactured office equipment.
- Purchase green office products, such as unbleached paper towels, 100% recycled office
paper, recycled content products, etc.
- Develop criteria for use of sustainable products and practices at conferences/events
- Default all printers to double-sided printing
Water
Reduce water use at all of our facilities.
- Use of water efficient equipment/processes for irrigation of NYSERDA property
- Employ low water use appliances in kitchens and bathroom
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