Here are a few examples of “green” state agency practices that cut costs and save taxpayer dollars:

Reducing Travel Mileage

In response to Governor Paterson’s call for belt-tightening measures in state agencies, The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC),  has reduced travel mileage by 10% -- that saves gas and travel money, and reduces vehicle-based greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Buildings

DEC opened its first certified green regional office building -- it will use 42% less energy, and save $26,000 a year in energy costs.

The State Public Service Commission “greened” its large agency building in Albany -- and saved $29,000 over the past 10 months alone. Green building initiatives included: light sensors in restrooms; using sunlight, instead of electric lights, to light office space; day-time, instead of night-time, cleaning services; shutting down equipment at the end of the day; and shutting off lights.

Governor Paterson submitted legislation, which passed the Legislature, that expands the New York Power Authority’s successful program to finance energy efficiency and green building retrofits at any public building in the State, including schools. The project costs are paid back through the monthly energy savings. Learn More >> 

Adjusting Thermostats

The NYS Dormitory Authority’s building uses a “Five-Up/Five-Down” heating and cooling policy – that is, they lower the thermostat 5 degrees in the winter, and raise the air conditioning 5 degrees in the summer. This policy will reduce energy and natural gas consumption 16.8%, resulting on savings of $10,000. The agency also uses a business casual dress code that allows its employees to dress appropriately for the seasons and the different building temperatures.

Green Commuting

In July, 2008, Governor Paterson launched NYS-Ride – a program that allows state employees to set aside pre-tax salary for mass transit, including bus, train, subway, and van-pools. So far, 8,200 employees are saving up to 40% off mass transit prices – an average of $40 per month. This initiative saves money and supports a “greener” New York.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

The State Dormitory Authority has provided Energy Star refrigerators to SUNY campuses. Energy Star refrigerators are as much as 50% more energy-efficient than pre-1993 models.

The State Office of General Services (OGS) switched to an energy-efficient document management computer system, which replaced several old, “power-hungry” servers – energy consumption went down 15%.

Better Light Bulbs

State agencies are switching to Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. An Energy Star CFL uses 75% less energy, lasts up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs, and saves about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. And CFLs are extremely cost- effective for the State, too – a CFL pays for itself in 6 months, and saves over $30 per bulb.

Increased Use of Renewable Energy

DEC uses nearly one-quarter renewable energy sources – the more renewable energy, the greater the market and the lower the prices will become.

Purchasing Hybrid Vehicles

Purchasing hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles for state functions – the additional cost of a hybrid pays for itself and more in gasoline savings.

Reducing Paper Consumption

Governor Paterson directed state agencies to reduce paper consumption by 25% by 2010 – this directive will save state and local governments who buy off the state contracting system $4.5 million annually.

Promoting Sustainable Land Use and Development

Governor Paterson’s Smart Growth Cabinet has been promoting sustainable land use and development.  Smart Growth – compact, mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods – is often more cost-effective because it maximizes the use of existing infrastructure, instead of requiring more expensive new infrastructure.  And Smart Growth helps protect the environment – reducing car dependence, which reduces car-based greenhouse gas emissions; protecting land, habitats and other natural resources; and preserving working landscapes, such as farms and forests.