Joseph A. Brill

The Council meeting featured an overview of OPRHP's climate change and sustainability initiatives, including updates on capital projects, energy programs, and environmental stewardship efforts. The agenda included votes on various procurement specifications for lighting and appliances, as well as updates from several working groups covering topics such as embodied carbon, ZEV conversion, and waste diversion. Additionally, details were shared regarding the upcoming 2026 NYS Electric Vehicle Fleet EVent.

Key discussion points included a recap of the 2025 GreenNY Forum event and an overview of the GreenNY Mentorship Program set to begin in Q1 2026. Updates were provided on efforts to reduce waste and improve sustainability at the Empire State Plaza, including heating/cooling decarbonization and charging station installations. Significant time was dedicated to finalizing Q3 GreenNY procurement specifications for items such as food service ware, waste containers, furniture, and turf equipment, with several motions passed to approve these specifications as final. Tentative approvals were granted for specifications related to snow and ice control agents, and the Mulch specification was tentatively approved for further research regarding hydroseeding application. Working group updates covered training development, analysis of Environmental Product Declaration reporting, the ZEV Fleet Conversion plan timeline, progress on specification updates (reaching the halfway point), reporting deadlines, and details on the Public Power for Public Entities Initiative involving the acquisition of a solar facility to generate Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

This document serves as an update to the Office of General Services' five-year strategic plan, originally launched in 2023. It outlines significant progress made on 89 initiatives aimed at enhancing State operations and transforming the agency to deliver smarter, more responsive, and customer-focused government services. The plan's key pillars include Infrastructure & Assets, Agency Services, Access & Engagement, Culture & Preservation, People, and Data & Operations, all contributing to strengthening infrastructure, modernizing services, and expanding opportunities for New Yorkers.

The GreenNY Council meeting focused on supporting the progress of executive order 22, which directs state agencies to adopt sustainability and decarbonization programs. Key topics included reviewing and approving minutes from the September meeting, updates on agency engagement for Green New York, a recap of the recent Green New York forum, and a sustainability coordinator mentoring program. Additionally, there were discussions on greening the Empire State Plaza, green procurement specifications, and working group and guidance updates.

The GreenNY Council Quarterly Meeting included discussions on engagement, Greening the Empire State Plaza, procurement specifications, and working group updates. The GreenNY Mentorship Program was highlighted, aiming to foster collaboration among NYS agency and authority Sustainability Coordinators. The GreenNY Forum 2025 recap showcased success stories, policy updates, and networking opportunities. Updates on the Empire State Plaza Waste Initiative, fleet conversion to zero-emission vehicles, and decarbonization efforts were presented. GreenNY Procurement Specifications Updates covered reviews and votes on various specifications. Working group updates included training on procurement, embodied carbon analysis, ZEV conversion plans, and renewable electricity initiatives. The NYPA and OGS implementation of Public Power for Public Entities was discussed, along with the waste diversion plans and sustainable and resilient design network.