DEC Contact: Lori Severino May 12, 2023
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DEC ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF FIRST SUSTAINABILITY PLANPlan Sets 25 Ambitious Goals to Help Ensure DEC is Leading by Example |
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Upcoming Decarbonization Projects at DEC Facilities Statewide Demonstrate Versatility of Heat Pump Technology New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the release of the agency’s first-ever sustainability plan, which includes commitments to decarbonize operations and help ensure DEC reduces its impact on the environment. Covering the period from 2023 to 2028, the plan identifies 25 goals and 70 actions DEC will take, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing waste generation, increasing investments in green products and services, conserving water, protecting species and habitat, reducing toxics, engaging employees, and supporting outreach and education. The plan also outlines how DEC will comply with Governor Kathy Hochul’s recently signed Executive Order 22.
The plan represents a transparent way of showing all stakeholders how DEC is leading by example. DEC also encourages other organizations in the public and private sectors to create their own sustainability plans to guide progress in their journey to more sustainable operations.
DEC plans to install heat pumps at these facilities to remove fossil fuel-combusting equipment, upgrade outdated equipment, and enhance occupant and visitor comfort. Electric powered heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling by taking heat and cold from the environment and moving it indoors to heat the building or outside to cool it. When powered by renewable energy, they provide a zero-emission heating and cooling solution. The wide variety of geographies and types of facilities where DEC is installing heat pumps demonstrate their capability to decarbonize buildings throughout the state. In addition, DEC is beginning an electric vehicle charging station installation program that will ultimately install 1,400 chargers for DEC’s fleet. These installations will take place at more than 70 locations throughout the state and help ensure DEC is able to meet its commitment to electrify its light-duty fleet by 2035.
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