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NY Power Authority maps pathway to more sustainable operations advancing state's clean energy goals

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Wed, Jun 19th 2019 02:00 pm

Nation’s largest state power organization to address greenhouse gas emissions & impacts of climate change in every aspect of its business

The New York Power Authority is stepping up its sustainability efforts with a new, five-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency across operations. The plan aligns with and supports Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s “Green New Deal” clean energy and climate goals and policies.

“As a clean major energy provider for New York state, NYPA is leading by example and demonstrating the importance of taking climate change seriously,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “We’ve created a framework to measure and manage the impacts of NYPA’s operations and our customer and public-facing programs, and track progress toward the state’s clean energy and sustainability goals.”

The 2019-23 sustainability plan supports Cuomo’s goal to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and achieve the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050. The “Green New Deal” further ramps up New York’s efforts with a goal to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.

NYPA’s plan also aligns with executive order 166 that directs state entities to lead by example in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate statewide adoption of clean technologies through public-facing programs.

The plan addresses every aspect of NYPA operations, including generation and transmission activities, building energy use, vehicle fleet emissions and electrification, water efficiency, supply chain, materials and waste management, land management, and stakeholder engagement. It also captures the benefits of NYPA’s customer and public-facing programs. Every business unit will participate and set performance targets.

Planned sustainability initiatives include:

•Climate Assessment and Adaptation. Assess the risks and opportunities associated with a 1.5-degree transition and the physical impacts of climate change and build on this assessment to develop a climate adaptation plan.

•Electricity Generation, Transmission and Supply. Improve the emissions rate of NYPA’s electricity supply (NYPA generation, contracts and power purchase agreements, and market purchases) through power plant modernization, transmission upgrades, large-scale renewable capacity, energy storage and digital technology applications.

•Customer, Market and Public-Facing Programs. Capture the greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits of energy services, transportation electrification and renewable energy development programs, and track progress toward meeting state goals.

•Buildings. Reduce the energy and emissions footprint of NYPA buildings by optimizing building systems, demonstrating advanced metering and other technology applications, and expanding on-site renewable energy and storage capacity, where possible.

•Transportation. Electrify NYPA’s light-duty fleet and expand charging access for employees and visitors. Demonstrate emerging technologies and low-carbon fuels.

•Water Efficiency. Reduce the consumption of water resources through more efficient building systems and water use strategies.

•Supply Chain. Reduce the environmental impacts of NYPA’s suppliers and purchased products.

•Materials and Waste. Reduce overall waste generated across office and non-office operations, and increase waste diversion and recovery rates.

•Land Management. Enhance habitat and promote biodiversity, and increase resiliency and carbon sequestration on land owned or managed by NYPA.

•Stakeholder Engagement. Promote sustainable workplace practices through employee engagement programs, and share NYPA best practices with external stakeholders by hosting exhibits, events and workshops at NYPA visitor centers.

To learn more about NYPA’s comprehensive sustainability efforts, view the full five-year plan here.

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 70% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information, visit www.nypa.gov.

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