For Release: Friday, May 1, 2009
DEC'S "Green" Computer Program Is Honored by EPA
Receives Recognition for Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Computer Purchasing
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was honored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for implementing a "green" purchasing program that has helped reduce the environmental impacts of use and disposal of computer equipment. DEC staff accepted an EPA Region 2 Environmental Quality Award for their work as part of the State Electronics Challenge.
Commissioner Pete Grannis said, "Computers are a necessity in today's world and so is keeping up with ongoing technological changes. DEC's participation in the State Electronics Challenge has demonstrated how smart purchasing decisions and a commitment to proper recycling can make a positive difference in the protection of our environment. We thank EPA for this recognition and look forward to building upon our success and educating others how to find new ways to save energy, lower costs, increase recycling, and reduce our environmental footprint."
The State Electronics Challenge is a voluntary program that encourages state, regional and local governments, including schools, to purchase greener products, reduce the impacts of electronic products during use, and manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way. Nationwide, 30 governmental entities have signed on to be partners in the SEC initiative to improve the environmental footprint of their computer assets.
DEC has been a member of the State Electronics Challenge since March 2008. The agency's leadership was recognized in the purchasing of "green" computer equipment, as well as in the environmentally-responsible management of the replaced computers.
In 2008, DEC purchased 2,316 computer products. All of the computers purchased by the agency qualified as environmentally preferable products - they were EnergyStar compliant and/or contained less toxins and also improved power management during use. Nearly 1,000 desktops, monitors and notebook computers that had been replaced were recycled so as to further reduce the impacts to the environment. These measures resulted in the following reductions:
- An energy savings of nearly 1 million kilowatt hours, or enough power to supply 77 homes annually.
- Greenhouse gas emission reductions, equivalent to removing nearly 100 cars off the road.
- 13.5 metric tons diverted from the municipal waste stream.
- 165 pounds of toxic materials like lead and mercury was prevented from entering the environment.
In 2009, DEC plans to expand its efforts under the State Electronics Challenge. One of the goals being set is to maximize the potential power savings of the agency's computer inventory. DEC also plans to share its successes with other state agencies and encourage them to implement similar programs to reduce the environmental footprint of their electronic assets.
The State Electronics Challenge is just one way DEC is fulfilling Governor David A. Paterson's commitment to green purchasing. In April 2008, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 4 which established a State Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program. The order requires state agencies, public authorities and public benefit corporations to "green" their procurements and to implement sustainability initiatives.
To achieve the greatest overall environmental benefits for New York, the DEC encourages all levels of state government - including schools and universities - to join the State Electronics Challenge. DEC staff is available to share their experiences in this program and assist agencies in enlisting and meeting the programs requirements. Information about the State Electronics Challenge, including a list of current partner organizations, how to join, and requirements, is available at www.stateelectronicschallenge.net . New York State government entities can contact the DEC by calling 1-800-462-6553 or by emailing ewaste@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
