NYPA Provides the Forum to Discuss Sustainable Change in New York

NYPA’s Sustainability department hosted the GreenNY Council’s annual GreenNY Forum at our White Plains Office on November 14.

Joining us at the White Plains office were more than 75 attendees representing over 20 agencies and authorities from across the state, providing a valuable opportunity to discuss progress towards the goals of Executive Order 22 (EO22), a nation-leading effort to make state operations more sustainable.

EO22 directs state entities to lead by example in decarbonization and sustainability and addresses everything from green procurement specifications, waste reduction and biodiversity and habitat protection, to 100% renewable electricity, electric vehicle fleet transition, reducing energy use in buildings, and establishing pathways to cut embodied carbon in construction materials. The Council helps state entities implement the requirements of EO22 by developing guidance and other resources.

“The GreenNY Council plays an important role in advancing sustainability initiatives in the state,” noted Kerry-Jane King , Senior Director Sustainability. The GreenNY Forum provides the opportunity to meet face-to-face with colleagues from other state agencies, share successes and challenges and explore new opportunities. Although we work together throughout the year, meeting in person helps us strengthen our collaboration. Many shared that they left the meeting inspired and reenergized.”

Kicking-off the meeting was Ashley Dougherty , Assistant Secretary for Environment at NYS Executive Chamber, who reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainability and congratulated the Council on their progress during the last year. Agencies and authorities then shared success stories, including NYPA’s Cari Ficken, PhD , Program Manager in Sustainability, who provided an overview of a recently completed Nature Impact Assessment, which will be used to help inform various areas of work at NYPA. NYPA also received special recognition by the Council for our 2023 waste reduction efforts.

Teams also gathered in topic-focused roundtable-sessions to share best practices and insights. Many thanks to our NYPA representatives for their support, including:

Christopher Fry and Benjamin M. Cuozzo , Renewable Electricity

Alexandra Leader , Procurement

Maureen Golan and Cari Ficken, PhD , Green Infrastructure

Lielle Berman and Jay Scouten , Change Management

Closing remarks were provided by Alexis Harley , SVP and Chief Risk & Resilience Officer. Alexis reiterated NYPA's commitment to advancing sustainability and supporting the work of the GreenNY Council and encouraged all Sustainability Coordinators from across the state to keep up the impressive work.

More information about the GreenNY Council efforts can be found in the Greening New York State Twelfth Progress Report. If you would like more information about NYPA’s role in the GreenNY Council, please contact alexandra.leader@nypa.gov.