New York state has launched a New York Green Business program to formally recognize New York businesses operating sustainably and celebrate businesses that are implementing projects that go above and beyond relevant state laws and regulations to preserve and enhance New York’s environment.
NYGB members will benefit from the ability to market themselves as environmental leaders, receiving formal state recognition for their achievements, priority access to technical assistance and experts at the Pollution Prevention Institute, and access to a vast network of sustainability leaders.
“New York leads the nation in furthering environmental protections and supporting renewable energy, and we know that businesses and communities benefit from working together to build a cleaner, greener New York,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The New York Green Business Program will encourage other businesses to pursue sustainable practices, attract new customers and foster sustainable innovation that will benefit everyone.”
To become a member of the NYGB a business must:
• Have a good record of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Make commitments to projects that will lower their environmental footprint.
• Communicate their commitment to sustainability to their customers and employees.
Sustainable business practices include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and water use, decreasing the use of toxic chemicals, procuring green products and local products, incorporating zero emissions vehicles into their fleets, installing EV chargers and renewables, and more.
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, “Preserving our environment’s health and natural resources is important for the future of all New York families and businesses.”
State Sen. Kathy Marchione said, “Going green is good for the environment, good for the bottom line and good for New York state. The New York Green Business Program will help even more businesses in utilizing sustainable best practices that lead to a healthier environment, a stronger economy and more jobs.”
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYGB is open to businesses, and other entities, in all sectors. The program has special entry requirements for breweries, restaurants, and garment cleaners to address their unique environmental impacts.
The brewery portion of the NYGB program is the first such state government-run program in the nation, continuing New York’s leadership and innovation in the craft beverage industry. The program is accepting applications for membership through Dec. 15.
Deb Friedel, director of sustainability for Delaware North said her company “has been proud to be a member of this program through our environmentally friendly operations at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs and Niagara Falls State Park for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as well as at two of our gaming locations, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and Hamburg Gaming. We look forward to continuing to enhance these operations as the Department of Environmental Conservation launches an exciting new version of the initiative with the New York Green Business program.”
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Through both small and large contributions we all in our own way can be models of sustainability. Restoring wildlife habitats, transitioning to solar energy, implementing efficient LED lighting, improving insulation right down to installing new HVAC systems are just some of the examples. ”
“We are fortunate to have businesses, large and small, throughout New York state taking critical actions that create local jobs and economic opportunities while recognizing the overriding importance of environmental conservation and protection,” said Sen. Tom O’Mara, chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
DEC is holding a series of webinars to assist businesses in applying to the program on the following dates/times:
• Nov. 13, 10 a.m., for all applicants that are not a brewery, garment cleaner, or restaurant.
• Nov. 13, 2 p.m., for garment cleaners.
• Nov. 20, 1 p.m., restaurants.
• Nov. 20, 3:30 p.m,breweries.
For more information on the program, including how to register for a webinar and download an application, visit DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/939.html.