Jan. 15, 2013: New York State Launches ‘Build Smart NY’ Initiative
ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has issued an executive order directing state agencies to increase energy efficiency in state buildings by 20 percent in seven years, one of the most ambitious initiatives in the nation that is expected to save millions of dollars for the state. In conjunction with this announcement, Cuomo also launched “Build Smart NY,” a plan to strategically implement the executive order.
“Improving energy efficiency in our buildings is a smart investment in our present and future,” Cuomo said. “Through Build Smart NY, state government can produce significant savings for New York taxpayers and generate thousands of jobs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than eight million metric tons, which is the same as taking one million cars off the road for one year. Furthermore, most of the projects will pay for themselves as their energy savings will cover their costs, making this initiative a financial and environmental win-win for New Yorkers.”