ALBANY - Governor David Paterson's green procurement initiative moved forward with today's announcement by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan of the publication of preliminary purchasing specifications that will help state agencies, public authorities and public benefit corporations reduce costs while buying "green" products and services.

The purchasing specifications are part of the state's green procurement processes which are intended to boost energy efficiency and reduce air and water pollution, while helping public agencies make smart buying decisions. The specifications will help guide purchases of numerous commodities and services, including computers, copiers, printers, electronic signs, dishwashers and engine block heaters.

New York State government is a major consumer of materials and energy, and the establishment of procedures for the purchasing of green goods and services will help leverage its buying power. As part of this initiative, in September, OGS announced the savings of approximately $255 million on the purchase of environmentally-sustainable personal computers, which are now being made available to public entities throughout the state.

"Businesses are making it easier for consumers to buy products and services that are both eco-friendly and cost-efficient, and New York State is leading by example in showing how this can translate into a better work environment," Commissioner Grannis said. "Already, we have begun to see results from the green procurement initiative, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to develop new strategies that will protect our natural resources and be fiscally responsible."

"New York's actions are having a global impact," said Commissioner Egan. "Every day OGS procurement professionals are measuring the market and seeking ways to aggregate the purchase of thousands of products by state and local government. Equally important is the notion that by working closely with top environmental stewards, we are ensuring that sustainability and conservation are included in the purchasing equation."