Sustainability

NYSERDA continuously looks to reduce the organization’s environmental impact through sustainable practices. We hope that this site will be helpful to all New Yorkers seeking to expand their knowledge about environmentally friendly practices. As NYSERDA carries on in it's mission to help New York accomplish its energy goals, NYSERDA itself plays a part in making our state, nation, and planet a more eco-friendly place to live, work, and enjoy.

NYSERDA works in conjunction with many other state agencies as part of the State government’s continuing efforts to improve the energy landscape. As the State’s leading authority dedicated to the advancement and implementation of innovative renewable energy and efficiency technologies, NYSERDA takes great pride in the steps it has taken in accomplishing it's own energy reduction goals. The organization resolutely believes that the progress we make today, coupled with the conservation minded actions we all take individually, is paramount to the advancement and success of our combined futures and the futures of those who will come after us.

Again, we we thank you for your interest in NYSERDA and it's programs. Please submit any suggestions you think would aid NYSERDA in it's mission to achieve a greater level of energy and environmental conscientiousness.

Francis J. Murray Jr.
NYSERDA President and CEO

NYSERDA's Sustainability Initiatives

All of NYSERDA’s sustainable actions are meant to reduce energy use, cut back on waste production, and ultimately reduce fiscal impact on the ratepayers of New York State.

• NYSERDA Building Case Study
• Sustainability Sites of Interest

Education

• Highlight 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
• Hold monthly lunch-time educational seminars for staff on energy and sustainability
• Distribute an electronic educational newsletter to staff on sustainability

Energy

• Installed a 3.6kw Photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the building at 17 Columbia Circle, in 2006
• Installed energy efficient products and equipment, including a HVAC system
• Encourage energy savings practices by employees such as turning off computers, lights and other external devices
• Instituted quarterly inspections of our building to ensure it is performing efficiently and to identify/address any areas of concern

Transportation

• Enrolled in GreenRide, a computer-based program to foster ride-sharing.
• Encourage biking, walking, carpooling and using public transportation to get to work
• Maintain a fleet of (5) five hybrid or electric vehicles for employee business related travel
• Actively promote tele- and video- conferencing for business travel reduction
• Encourage carpooling for work related travel

Waste Reduction

• Eliminated disposable kitchen items and encourage employees to bring in their own reusable kitchenware
• Significantly reduced the amount of hard-copy publications we produce in favor of electronic distribution
• Streamlined processes to eliminate paper waste
• Created a process for holding selection panels “aka” Technical Assistance Panels for our solicitations electronically
• Reduced the number of hard copy newspapers purchased
• Distribute daily news clips relating to NYSERDA to staff and board members electronically
• Purchase green office products, such as unbleached paper towels, 100 percent recycled office paper, recycled content paper products, etc.
• Eliminated the practice of mailing solicitation announcement notices
• Encourage all staff to utilize electronic viewing and transfer of documents
• Respond to the majority of Freedom of Information Act Requests (FOIL) electronically
• Send the majority of our Board and Committee meeting agendas and supporting documents electronically
• Set computer printer options to double-side print

Water

• Eliminated bottled water purchases and drink tap water
• Installed water conserving toilets and faucets
• Use water efficient equipment/processes for irrigation of NYSERDA property

Toxins

• Prioritize entities that use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and organic products when contracting
• Purchase low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) carpeting and office furniture
• Support alternative pest management systems (such as Integrated Pest Management) that minimize the use of pesticides and non-native species