New York Governor Paterson Praises State Agencies For Turning Green Policies Into Practice

Introduction of Solar Power System to Ray Brook Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters will Provide 30 Percent of the Agency’s Annual Energy Needs, Cutting Cost and Pollution

June 16, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today praised the work of State agencies that are cutting their energy needs and announced the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will install photovoltaic solar equipment at its Ray Brook Headquarters. The solar panels will provide one third of the agency’s energy needs, a major reduction of its outside power consumption.

Governor Paterson issued a Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Executive Order in April 2008 to promote policies within State agencies and authorities to reduce the consumption of materials and energy and reduce the potential impacts on public health and the environment. The APA was among the first to take action, with assistance from New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The APA moved towards energy diversification at its June meeting by authorizing a permit for the installation of a photovoltaic solar system at its Ray Brook. The system will generate 54,000-kilowatt hours of electricity, representing approximately 30 percent of the APA’s annual energy requirements. The project will cut the APA’s annual energy budget allocation by $8,000 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is anticipated that the system will be operational by October, 2008.

“I applaud all State agencies for taking the initiative to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint,” said Governor Paterson. “We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to use the State’s position as a major consumer to show New York how innovative investments have positive impacts on our environment.”

The innovative, renewable energy project consists of a single row of ground-mounted automatic tracking photovoltaic solar panel arrays, which automatically adjust as the sun moves through the day. The arrays will connect to the APA’s existing electrical system and will convert the captured energy into alternating current power for use within the building.

The APA utilized a $100,000 grant from the NYPA, $159,000 in incentives from NYSERDA’s Energy Smart program and a $150,000 “Green Building” budget allocation to compensate for project costs. The project will pay for itself based on projected energy cost savings at current rates in less than 15 years. Excess electric power generated will be sold back to the utility, resulting in additional fiscal returns to the State.

APA Chair Curtis Stiles said: “The Adirondack Park Agency believes energy conservation and increased reliance on clean, renewable energy is critically important to the environmental and economic stability of New York, as well as globally. The Agency is proud to implement this project, which will contribute towards the Governor’s goal of achieving 25 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable energy by 2013. This site location takes advantage of ideal year round solar gain potential while adhering to the Agency’s development considerations. It’s the right project in the right place and we are thankful for the Governor’s help and leadership in moving this project forward.”

In addition to the solar system project, the APA recently completed energy conservation upgrades at the Ray Brook facility that were recommended after NYPA performed an energy audit.

Agency-wide building energy conservation measures included:

* Replacement of inefficient fluorescent lamp fixtures with high efficiency fluorescent light fixtures
* Installation of motion sensor light controls
* Installation of a dedicated HVAC unit for the Agency’s computer room
* Provide an indirect hot water heater connection to the Agency’s boiler and abandoned use of existing water heater
* Replacement of computer screens with energy efficient flat screens
* Setting night/weekend temperature control on building heating/cooling system

These measures were funded by a $100,000 NYPA grant and will result in additional energy cost savings of approximately $10,000 annually.

The installation of a photovoltaic system at the Ray Brook facility is the latest in a series of initiatives that Governor Paterson has taken to achieve a “greener” New York. Governor Paterson’s economic and energy programs also reflect his green commitment to environmental sustainability. Last May, Governor Paterson announced that the Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation will open its new plant in Montgomery County and intends to make it Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. The company would bring over a hundred jobs Upstate and also rely on locally-grown food for its products.

Governor Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, have sought to reduce the carbon footprint of the Governor’s Mansion, as well. The First Lady leads the “Greening the Mansion” initiative and has overseen the installation of solar panels on the Rockefeller Pool House and expects a second installation to be placed on the new carport this fall. The solar panels add to the Mansion’s power supply and cut its greenhouse emissions. In addition to the clean energy projects, the “Greening the Mansion” initiative also includes the use of ecologically sound maintenance practices and equipment, as well as the purchasing of locally-grown, organic foods.

Source: New York Governor

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