Governor Cuomo Launches New York Green Business Program

Written by Long Island News & PR | 31. October 2017

Albany, NY - October 31, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched the 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," Governor 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; and
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.

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 December 15, 2017.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "By incentivizing clean energy innovation through the NY Green Business program, Governor Cuomo is encouraging businesses to take an active part in protecting our environment and ensuring a more sustainable future through the use of clean energy. Investing in renewable energy and other clean energy solutions will continue to lower our state's carbon footprint while creating a stronger economy for future generations of New Yorkers."

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Governor Cuomo has made New York a national environmental leader by advancing new and exciting programs to reduce energy use, protect and manage our irreplaceable natural resources, and helping communities adapt to our changing climate. The New York Green Business Program is another example of his commitment to recognize and celebrate the businesses, large and small, that are setting the example for others across New York State and the country to improve sustainability and their environmental footprint."

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 State Parks is helping to contribute to a more efficient, attractive and healthy life and environment. Thank you Governor Cuomo and the DEC, the Green Business Program rightfully recognizes our communities who step forward, teach and inspire others to do just a little bit more."

Senator Tom O'Mara, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, said, "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. These actions deserve to be encouraged and recognized for their contributions."

Senator 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. I applaud the Governor for this program that will recognize job creators who make sustainability a priority and enhance New York's business climate, while protecting our environment and precious natural resources."

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, "Preserving our environment's health and natural resources is important for the future of all New York families and businesses. I appreciate Governor Cuomo's leadership in recognizing local businesses that go above and beyond to lower their environmental footprint, and that are creating innovative strategies for increasing sustainability."

Deb Friedel, Director of Sustainability for Delaware North said, "Delaware North has been proud to be a member of this program through our environmentally friendly operations at The Gideon Putnam 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."

DEC is holding a series of webinars to assist businesses in applying to the program on the following dates/times:

November 13, 10 a.m.: all applicants that are not a brewery, garment cleaner, or restaurant
November 13, 2 p.m.: garment cleaners
November 20, 1 p.m.: restaurants
November 20, 3:30 p.m.: breweries

For more information on the program, including how to register for a webinar and download an application, please visit DEC's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/939.html.