News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
For more information contact: OGS Contact: Brad Maione, 518-474-5987; DEC Contact: Yancey Roy, 518-402-8000
New York Announces Preliminary Guidelines for Eco-Friendly State Purchasing
Leveraging Purchase Power to Boost Environmentally Sound Products
ALBANY, NY (12/12/2008; 1203)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson's green procurement initiative moved forward with today's announcement by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan of the publication of preliminary purchasing specifications that will help state agencies, public authorities and public benefit corporations reduce costs while buying "green" products and services.
The purchasing specifications are part of the state's green procurement processes which are intended to boost energy efficiency and reduce air and water pollution, while helping public agencies make smart buying decisions. The specifications will help guide purchases of numerous commodities and services, including computers, copiers, printers, electronic signs, dishwashers and engine block heaters.
New York State government is a major consumer of materials and energy, and the establishment of procedures for the purchasing of green goods and services will help leverage its buying power. As part of this initiative, in September, OGS announced the savings of approximately $255 million on the purchase of environmentally-sustainable personal computers, which are now being made available to public entities throughout the state.
"Businesses are making it easier for consumers to buy products and services that are both eco-friendly and cost-efficient, and New York State is leading by example in showing how this can translate into a better work environment," Commissioner Grannis said. "Already, we have begun to see results from the green procurement initiative, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to develop new strategies that will protect our natural resources and be fiscally responsible."
"New York's actions are having a global impact," said Commissioner Egan. "Every day OGS procurement professionals are measuring the market and seeking ways to aggregate the purchase of thousands of products by state and local government. Equally important is the notion that by working closely with top environmental stewards, we are ensuring that sustainability and conservation are included in the purchasing equation."
In April 2008, Governor David A. Paterson signed Executive Order No. 4, which established a state Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program. The order requires state agencies, public authorities and public benefit corporations to green their procurements and to implement sustainability initiatives. To accomplish this, an interagency committee is identifying an annual list of categories and products for environmentally-conscious purchasing, planning and contracting.
This week, the committee tentatively approved 18 new specifications that are currently available for public review. The procurement specifications provide guidance on buying products and services that use energy efficiently (often labeled as "Energy Star"), contain recycled content, avoid toxic chemicals, and promote reuse. When final, state agencies and authorities can use these specifications in purchasing computers, copiers, printers, appliances, printing and ink, some road safety and message equipment, indoor and outdoor pest management, and recycling services.
Also, the committee has finalized four procurement specifications, covering passenger cars, engine block heaters, and desktop and laptop computers. The roster of services and commodities included as part of the green procurement initiative will be posted at http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/ExecutiveOrder4.html. Information about the program is also available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/45591.html.
To comment on the preliminary list of 18 specifications, write to: GreenEO4@ogs.state.ny.us.
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