PRESS RELEASE

May 1, 2007

"GREENING" THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION SETS EXAMPLE FOR STATE TO FOLLOW

(ALBANY, NY)— At a press conference today at the Governor's Mansion, New York State’s First Lady, Silda Wall Spitzer, announced an initiative to make the 150 year old building a model for energy efficiency and sustainability. 

As part of the initiative, the mansion will seek certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which has established tiered standards for energy usage and environmental sustainability of buildings under their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.  LEED certification is an internationally recognized benchmark for how “green” buildings are.  New York is home to many LEED-certified buildings, including 4 Times Square, one of the first LEED-certified skyscrapers in the world.

“Greening the Governor’s Mansion will be a great example of how New York State and its citizens can improve our homes, while decreasing our impact on the environment and our energy usage” said Robert Moore, executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York.

The initial plans that were announced include:

*    Installing on-site clean energy generation in the form of solar panels and a fuel cell for emergency backup power;

*    Retrofitting older energy wasting appliances with new, high-efficiency models that will not only reduce energy usage, but also reduce operating costs;

*    Using non-polluting equipment for the care and maintenance of the grounds, including hybrid vehicles, electric mowers, and lawn care equipment;

*    Maintaining the grounds using a range of non-toxic cleaning products and pest controls, organic or naturally-derived lawn and garden care products and techniques, and increasing the use of recycled materials; and

*    Purchasing foods that are served in the mansion from New York growers, preferably those practicing organic agriculture.  

Energy efficiency and sustainability have been consistent themes of the Spitzer administration. Last week the Governor announced his ambitious “15 by 15” energy conservation agenda.  Lt. Governor Patterson has also been leading efforts to increase the use of renewable energy in the state.  Now, the First Lady is showing New York how one of its most prominent buildings can set the standard by which others are measured.

“Turning an architectural treasure like the Governor’s Mansion into a showpiece for sustainability will set the standard for New York State,” said Moore.

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Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for implementing policy that protects natural resources and safeguards public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions, and has more than 7,000 individual and 130 organizational members. The 501(c)(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more information call 518.462.5526 or visit www.eany.org.