OGS x Climate Week 2023
NYS Office of General Services
We provide services to state and local governments, state employees, visitors, and the general public. #TeamOGS #TeamNYS
On September 17-24, #TeamOGS joined our government colleagues to participate in #ClimateWeek2023 in support of Governor Kathy Hochul's lead-by-example goals and directives for the environmental sustainability of State agency government operations.
In providing essential government services like managing state buildings, construction, and procurement, OGS has a big role to play in helping to meet New York's ambitious goal of reducing the State's greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050.
The work at OGS has a direct impact on helping New York State achieve this transformational change. Read more about the exciting work underway at OGS to help achieve a cleaner, greener New York.
Leading the Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
OGS is leading the effort to convert the State's light-duty fleet to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2035 and installing more than 1,300 EV charging stations across the State: Zero Emission Vehicles & Infrastructure.
Buy Clean Concrete Guidelines
During Climate Week, OGS released New York State's Buy Clean Concrete Guidelines, which will help agencies procure low-carbon concrete and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector in New York State.
Did you know? About 30% of all global carbon emissions are associated with the building sector. Roughly 8% represents emissions from the manufacturing, transport, installation, and disposal of construction materials.
The GHG emissions generated by the manufacture, use, and disposal of materials are defined as "embodied carbon." As part of Governor Kathy Hochul's climate agenda, New York State is actively working to reduce GHG emissions, or embodied carbon, from common construction materials used on state projects.
Energy Efficiency
OGS is working to reduce the environmental impact across its portfolio of State-owned facilities, like the recent replacement of over 95,000 lighting fixtures with LEDs at the Empire State Plaza.
Part of the LED upgrade at the Plaza includes its popular color-changing technology. See it in action at one of our upcoming light commemorations.
Additional LED-conversion projects are ongoing at the State Office Buildings in Harlem and Utica.
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Sustainability in Construction
The OGS Design & Construction unit manages a portfolio of more than 650 projects for our state agency clients. With a combined value of nearly $3.5 billion, we strive to maximize sustainability throughout the project lifecycle, like recycling or reusing construction waste.
OGS is currently managing the construction of a new field maintenance shop for the DMNA Armory in Troy, where 75% of construction waste on this project will be recycled or reused.
When complete, this facility will have LEED accreditation, EV charging, Solar panels, and stormwater retention.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
With a portfolio of 1,500 centralized contracts valued at $30 billion, OGS is uniquely situated to leverage the State's collective buying power to advance our climate goals, including developing the GreenNY purchasing specifications.
Ranging from electronics to office equipment and more, these specifications help state agencies identify and purchase products that will:
Get There Green!
During Climate Week, OGS employees participated in the Get There Green! challenge - a way to help promote and use more sustainable modes of transportation. From the Empire State Trail in Upstate New York to a subway car in New York City, #TeamOGS enjoyed a cleaner ride.
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Award
OGS Procurement received the 2023 Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Award for excellence in the procurement of sustainable technology – the seventh consecutive year it has received the award.
How does green electronic purchasing support sustainable government operations? In 2022, purchases using OGS IT contracts will:
Learn More About Sustainability at OGS
For more information on OGS sustainability initiatives, visit the OGS Division of Resiliency and Sustainability website.