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Introduction
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation headquarters in Albany, the first LEED Silver certified green government building in New York State (2001).
This Guide to State Green Government Programs in the U.S. was created to identify and document what State governments are doing to green their own operations and to lead by example in terms of making systemic institutional changes that conserve natural resources, achieve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors at all levels of operation.
Two surveys were conducted by members of ASTSWMO’s Greening State Government (GSG) Task Force within the Sustainability Subcommittee. Given the breadth of green government activities, the Task Force did not limit the survey to environmental agencies and reached out to other State agencies, such as departments of general services, energy and transportation. Not all States responded to the survey, and some that did respond were only able to provide partial information. The surveys were conducted in late 2008 and during 2009. The information in this Resource Guide reflects the status of State GSG programs at the time of the surveys.
The Summary of Findings of the surveys is available. A separate Cost Savings Summary pulls together the survey responses which described achievements in saving money and resources. You’ll notice that most of the savings are attributed to energy-related activities at this time. Energy-related activities are not the only sources of cost savings but are traditionally one of the easiest to track.
Defining “Greening State Government”
For the purposes of its ongoing work, the Task Force created an operating definition for "Greening State Government" as follows:
“A formal program designed to minimize (beyond regulatory compliance) the environmental impacts associated with State agency procurement, land use, construction, facility management and operations, and employee commuting or business travel."
The surveys sought information on program impacts particularly related to resource use, waste generation, management and recycling, and toxics use reduction and releases.
This definition is not meant to exclude any “greening” activity, however, and you may discover some innovative activities within this Guide or want to tell us details about your State’s unique approach. (See the contact information below.)
Maps of Survey Results
For all maps except the map titled States with Quantifiable Goals, click on the box in the lower left corner that says, "Click Here for State Data in [Brown, Yellow, Blue, etc.]," to get to the Excel spreadsheet section with all State responses. The box color refers to the column on the spreadsheet with the information relevant to the subject of the map. For the States with Quantifiable Goals map, click on the individual State to get to the information for that State.
Maps:
The Green Gems page highlights brief descriptions of successful activities occurring across the nation. The Task Force sought Green Gems from States in each EPA Region and has provided Gems that describe examples of success in diverse activity areas.
The Resources page provides direct links to State websites regarding their GSG programs and material by other State organizations.
Contact the Greening State Government Task Force
The Greening State Government Task Force endeavors to keep the State information on this web page current. To assist us in this ongoing effort, please send an e-mail to Kerry Callahan in the ASTSWMO office at kerryc@astswmo.org to update your State information, or with any questions about the GSG web site.
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