Gov. David Paterson [1] signed an executive order [1] last week to green the state government through the establishment of a “Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program.” The goal is to promote policies within state agencies and authorities to curb the consumption of materials and energy, and reduce potential impacts on public health and the environment.

Gov. David PatersonThrough the program, state agencies will purchase environmentally friendly commodities and services and develop sustainability programs. The creation of the Intragency Committee on Sustainability and Green Procurement will work to ensure state agencies have the direction they need, while each agency and authority develops and implements programs and policies. Additionally, the governor’s plan will cover the training of employees, vendors and contractors to put the green policies into practice.