Overview

Purchasing GreenNY-compliant products helps the State of New York meet its environmental sustainability goals. This list includes all sustainability policies referenced in the GreenNY specifications and sample contract language. Each GreenNY specification lists the applicable sustainability policies for that product or service.

See GreenNY Specifications

Executive Order 22: Leading by Example

Executive Order 22: Leading by Example: Directing State Agencies to Adopt a Sustainability and Decarbonization Program 

This executive order (EO) promotes sustainable procurement practices by state agencies. EO 22 directs New York State agencies, authorities, and public benefit corporations to follow GreenNY procurement specifications when purchasing commodities, services and technology. The GreenNY specifications consider a wide range of environmental sustainability factors including avoidance of toxic substances, pollution prevention, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, and more.

Citation: EO 22: Leading by Example: Directing State Agencies to Adopt a Sustainability and Decarbonization Program (September 20, 2022).

Applicable GreenNY Specification Categories: All 

Climate- and Energy-Related Policies

Contracts Involving Low Embodied Carbon Concrete

This law, which is intended to increase the use and innovation of low-carbon concrete in state procurement projects, required the development of guidelines for the procurement of low embodied carbon concrete on projects deemed appropriate by NYS OGS. The NYS Buy Green Concrete Guidelines include minimum standards for contractors and subcontractors to follow and outline a process for them to report to the contracting agency upon completion of a project.

Citation: Contracts Involving Low Embodied Carbon Concrete. Chapter 56: State Finance Law, Article 9, Section 136-D*2.

For more information, see: NYS Buy Clean Concrete Guidelines

Applicable GreenNY Specification Categories: Lower carbon concrete

Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances and Electronic Equipment

The Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022 directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in consultation with the NYS Department of State, to adopt efficiency standards for products appliances and equipment that reduce energy and/or water consumption. NYSERDA has published definitions, standard requirements, and test procedures for products and appliances that are not regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy. The first batch of standards were adopted on December 28, 2022 and took effect on June 26, 2023. 

Note: For several product categories such as computers and computer monitors (i.e., displays), New York State has adopted California’s Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Standards. 

Citation: Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards. Chapter: 17-A Energy Law, Article 16.

For more information, see:

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Air purifiers and filters, batteries and battery chargers, commercial kitchen appliances, computers and displays 

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has set ambitious climate protection goals aimed at limiting “statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 60% of 1990 levels by 2030 and 15% of 1990 levels by 2050.”

Citation: Statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 75, Section 75-0107.

For more information, see:

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Air purifiers; batteries and battery chargers; clothes washers; commercial ice machines; commercial kitchen appliances; commercial refrigerators and freezers; computers and displays; dehumidifiers; imaging equipment; lower carbon concrete; luminaires, retrofit kits, lamps and drivers; residential clothes dryers; residential dishwashers; residential refrigerators and freezers; turf and landscaping equipment

Hydrofluorocarbon Regulation

New York State’s Refrigerant Regulation has established goals of reducing emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050. To achieve this goal, this regulation prohibits the sale and use of HFCs with a relatively high global warming potential (GWP) in refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, air conditioners, aerosol propellants, foam (e.g., polystyrene extruded sheet, polyurethane foam, etc.), and other types of products.

Citation: Hydrofluorocarbon Standards and Reporting: Prohibitions. State Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations (CRR), Title 6: Department of Environmental Conservation, Part 494.

For more information, see NYS DEC factsheet: Part 494 Factsheet – Reducing Hydrofluorocarbon Emissions

Applicable GreenNY Specification Categories: Clothes washers, commercial ice machines, commercial refrigerators and freezers, dehumidifiers, packaging, residential clothes dryers, and residential refrigerators and freezers

Conservation Policies

Lighting Restrictions Law

This law prohibits a state agency operating in New York State from installing or causing to install certain permanent outdoor fixtures (e.g., roadway, parking lot, and high-lumen building façade luminaires) unless they are fully shielded to prevent night-sky light pollution. It also encourages state agencies to select and install other types of luminaires (e.g., lighting fixtures for athletic playing fields and lower-lumen façade fixtures) that minimize upward lighting, glare, and “sky-glow” to the greatest extent possible.

The law also lists several exceptions (e.g., lighting fixtures installed in tunnels and roadway underpasses as well as navigational lighting fixtures necessary for aviation or nautical safety).

Citation: Lighting Restrictions. Chapter 44: Public Buildings Law, Article 5, Section 143.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Luminaires, retrofit kits, lamps and drivers

Prohibition on the Purchase of Tropical Hardwood Products Law

New York State’s Prohibition on the Purchase of Tropical Hardwood Products Law mandates that no government agency, political subdivision, or public benefit corporation of the state may purchase or obtain any tropical hardwood or tropical hardwood products in any form, except if hardwoods are purchased from a sustained, managed forest.

Citation: Purchasing Restrictions. Chapter 56: Estate Finance Law, Article 11, Section 165.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Furniture

Restrictions on Toxic Chemicals and Materials

Chromated Copper Arsenate Pressure Treated Lumber in Public Facilities

New York State’s Chromated Copper Arsenate Pressure Treated Lumber in Public Facilities Law Dry Cleaning Facilities Regulation prohibits the state, political subdivisions, school districts, public authorities, and state agencies from constructing any structure or playground that uses lumber that is pressure treated with chromate copper arsenate.

Citation: Chromated Copper Arsenate Press Treated Lumber; Public Facilities. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 37, Section 37-0109.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Lumber Pressure Treated With Chromated Copper Arsenate.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Outdoor furniture and playground equipment

Dry Cleaning Facilities Regulation

New York State’s Dry Cleaning Facilities Regulation prohibits the operation of first-third generation perchloroethylene (PERC) dry cleaning equipment in the state of New York. As of December 2020, the operation of fourth generation PERC dry cleaning equipment is prohibited at co-located residential facilities. All dry cleaning facilities must perform reporting and maintain all required government permits, registrations, licenses, approvals, certifications, and records.

Citation: Dry Cleaning Facilities. New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, Part 232 Dry Cleaning Facilities.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Dry Cleaner Regulation.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Garment cleaning services 

Organohalogen Flame Retardant Restrictions in Upholstered Furniture, Mattresses, and Electronic Displays Law

Effective December 1, 2024, this law prohibits the sale or offering for sale in New York State of any electronic displays containing organohalogen flame retardant chemicals in the enclosure or stand that are intentionally added.

Citation: Regulation of Chemicals in Upholstered Furniture, Mattresses, and Electronic Enclosures.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Flame Retardant Chemicals in Upholstered Furniture, Mattresses, and Electronic Enclosures.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Computers and displays, furniture, televisions

Pollution Prevention Policy

This law states, “it is declared to be the policy of the state of New York to promote affordable and cost effective methods to reduce energy and resource consumption or reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances and the generation of such substances, pollution or waste at the source in order to conserve, improve and protect New York’s environment and natural resources; enhance the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; and increase the economic competitiveness of New York businesses.” 

Citation: Pollution Prevention: Declaration of Policy. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 28, Section 28-0101.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: All

Procurement and Use of Environmentally Sensitive Cleaning and Maintenance Products Law

This law directs the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner (in conjunction with the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, and Labor commissioners) to establish and disseminate to all elementary and secondary schools guidelines, specifications, and sample list of environmentally sensitive cleaning and maintenance products for use in their facilities.

Citation: Procurement and Use of Environmentally Sensitive Cleaning and Maintenance Products. Chapter 16: Education Law, Article 9, Section 409-I.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Cleaning chemicals (multiple specifications), coating removal products, dishwashing detergents, floor maintenance products, laundry detergents, surface disinfectants

Prohibition Against Brominated Flame Retardants Law

New York State’s Prohibition Against Brominated Flame Retardants Law prohibits the manufacture, processing, or distribution of a product or flame-retardant part of a product containing more than one-tenth of one percent (1000 ppm) of pentabrominated diphenyl ether or octabrominated diphenyl ether, by mass.

Citation: Prohibition Against Brominated Flame Retardants. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 37, Section 37-0111. 

For more information, see: US EPA webpage on Brominated Flame Retardants.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Furniture

Prohibition on the Distribution, Sale and Use of Household Cleansing Products Containing 1,4-Dioxane and Phosphorous Law

This NY State law prohibits the sale and distribution of household cleaning products containing more than certain amounts of 1,4-dioxane, which is chemical compound that is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” or phosphorous, which is a chemical that causes excess algae growth in water supplies and threatens aquatic ecosystems by reduces available oxygen. This law also prohibits the use of products containing these two contaminants by commercial establishments.

  • The maximum allowable limit for 1,4-dioxane in household cleansing products is 1 per million (ppm) as of December 31, 2023.
  • The maximum allowable limit for phosphorus in household cleansing products, except for products used in dishwashers, is 0.5% by weight.
  • The maximum allowable limit for phosphorus in household cleansing products used in dishwashers is 8.7% by weight.

“Household cleansing product” means any product, including but not limited to, soaps and detergents, which contain a surfactant as a wetting or dirt emulsifying agent and are used primarily for domestic or commercial cleaning purposes, including but not limited to, the cleansing of fabrics, dishes, food utensils, automobiles, and household and commercial premises. Household cleansing product shall not mean: 

  1. foods, drugs, cosmetics, and other types of personal care products as defined in this Subpart;
  2. products labeled, advertised, marketed, and distributed for use primarily as pesticides, as defined in article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law; or
  3. cleansing products used primarily in industrial manufacturing, production and assembling processes.

Citation: Distribution and Sale of Household Cleansing Products; Possession or use of Household Cleansing Products Containing Phosphorus by Commercial Establishments Restricted Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 35, Section 35-0105.

For more information, see:

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Cleaning chemicals (multiple specifications), coating removal products, dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, surface disinfectants

Prohibition on the Sale and Use of Personal Care Products Containing 1,4-Dioxane or Mercury

This law prohibits the sale and distribution in New York State of personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane, which is chemical compound that is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”, above 1 per million (ppm) as of December 31, 2023.

"Personal care product" means any product intended for cleaning or cleansing any part of the body, such as the skin and hair, and including, but not limited to, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, soap, bath gels, and other bath products. The term ‘personal care product’ shall not include any product for which a prescription is required for distribution or dispensation as provided in section 281 of the Public Health Law or section 6810 of the Education Law.

Note: The mercury restriction in this law applies only to cosmetics rather than other types of personal care products such as hand cleaners. There are no GreenNY specifications for cosmetics.

Citation: Prohibition on the Sale and Use of Personal Care Products Containing 1,4-Dioxane or Mercury. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 37, Section 37-011.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Hand cleaners, hand sanitizers

Vegetable Ink Printing Law

New York State’s Vegetable Ink Printing Law mandates that all lithographic printing performed or procured by a state agency use ink containing a minimum amount of vegetable oil as follows:

  • News inks: 40%
  • Sheet-fed inks: 20%
  • Forms inks: 20%
  • Heat-set inks: 10%

Citation: Vegetable Ink Printing Law. Chapter 58: Printing and Public Documents Law, Article 2, Section 7.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Reusable Bags

Packaging Policies

PFAS in Food Packaging Law

New York State’s Prohibition on the Use of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging Law states, “No person shall distribute, sell or offer for sale in this state food packaging containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances as intentionally added chemicals.”

Citation: Prohibition on the Use of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging Law. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 37, Title 2.

For more information, see: NYS DEC website on PFAS in Food Packaging Law

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Cookware and bakeware, food service ware, packaging

Hazardous Packaging Act

This law establishes maximum concentrations allowable for lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium that can be present in any packaging or packaging component sold in New York State: 100 parts per million (ppm) by weight total. The Law also sets forth definitions, exemptions, and violation provisions.

Citation: Hazardous Packaging. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 37, Title 2.

For more information, see: NYS DEC website on the NYS Hazardous Packaging Act.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Packaging

Polystyrene Foam Container and Loose Fill Packaging Ban

This section of the Hazardous Packaging Act, which took effect on January 1, 2022, prohibits manufacturers and stores from selling, offering for sale, or distributing expanded polystyrene foam container and loose fill packaging in New York State.

Citation: Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Polystyrene Loose Fill Packaging Ban. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Title 30.

For more information, see: NYS DEC website on Adopted Part 353 - Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Loose Fill Packaging Reduction.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Packaging 

Waste Prevention Policies

Battery Management and Disposal Law

This law prohibits retailers and other distributors from selling or offering for sale a product that contains a nickel-cadmium or small lead-acid rechargeable battery (or battery pack) weighing less than 25 pounds unless the battery can be easily removed by the consumer and is clearly marked with the battery chemistry type.

Citation: Battery Management and Disposal Law. Chapter 34-B: Environmental Conservation Law. Article 27, Section 27-0719.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Batteries and battery chargers, carpet extractors, floor polishing equipment, floor scrubbing equipment, mobile phones, turf and landscaping equipment, vacuum cleaners

Beneficial Use Regulation

This regulation allows certain wastes to be used as substitutes for commercial products or as raw materials. When used according to this regulation for specific applications, the waste materials that have received a Beneficial Use Designation (BUD) cease to be defined as solid waste and can be used in manufacturing, applied to roadways or land, or other uses. It also provides for the establishment of Predetermined BUDs, which are posted on the NYS DEC Beneficial Use Designations website (see link below).

Citation: Beneficial Use. State Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations (CRR), Title 6: Department of Environmental Conservation, Part 360, Section 12.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Beneficial Use Designations, which lists Predetermined BUDs and details the process for applying for Case-Specific BUDs.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Prepackaged deicers

Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act

The NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act requires manufacturers to provide free and convenient recycling of electronic waste to most consumers in the state, including governmental entities, schools, and not-for-profit corporations with less than 75 full-time employees located in NY state. 

Citation: Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act. Chapter 34-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Title 26.

For more information, see:

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Computers and displays, imaging equipment, mobile phones, televisions

New York State Solid Waste Management Policy

The State Solid Waste Management Policy establishes the following solid waste management priorities that aim to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to conserve energy and natural resources:

  1. first, reduce the amount of solid waste generated; and
  2. second, reuse material for the purpose for which it was originally intended or to recycle material that cannot be reused.

Citation: State Solid Waste Management Policy. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Section 27-0106.

For more information, see:

Note: GreenNY-compliant products and services that result in waste reduction or material reuse, or that contain post-consumer recycled content support this policy.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Batteries and battery chargers, brooms and brushes, cloths and wiping rags, mops, cardboard boxes and storage drawers, cloths and wiping rags, compostable organic waste bags, facial tissues, floor maintenance pads, food service ware, indoor waste containers, mops, office paper products, organic waste services, paper napkins, paper towels and paper wipers, plastic trash bags, recycling services, reusable bags, sponges and scrubbers, toilet paper and toilet seat covers, toner and ink cartridges 

Purchasing of Recycled, Remanufactured, or Recyclable Commodities for State Use Law

State Finance Law directs state agencies to “purchase recycled, remanufactured or recyclable commodities when such commodities meet their form, function and utility” and “consider the cost of the commodity over its lifecycle.”

Citations: Purchasing of Commodities for State Use. Chapter 56: State Finance Law, Article 11, Section 165, Subsection 3.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Close the Recycling Loop and Buy Recycled.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Brooms and brushes, cardboard file boxes and storage drawers, cloths and wiping rags, envelopes, facial tissues, floor maintenance pads, food service ware, indoor waste containers, mops, office paper products, paper napkins, paper towels and paper wipers, pens, plastic trash bags, reusable bags,  sorbents, sponges and scrubbers, toilet paper and seat covers, toner and ink cartridges, traffic cones, white copy paper

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law

The New York State Rechargeable Battery Law bans the disposal of rechargeable batteries (weighing less than 25 pounds) as solid waste at any time in the state. It also requires retailers, including online vendors, of rechargeable batteries to allow consumers to return similar types of rechargeable batteries for recycling or reuse at no cost.

Citation: New York State Rechargeable Battery Law. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Title 18.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Rechargeable Battery Recycling

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Batteries and battery chargers, carpet extractors, floor polishing equipment, floor scrubbing equipment, mobile phones, vacuum cleaners

Source Separation and Segregation of Recyclable or Reusable Materials Law

This law directs generators of solid waste to separate it into recyclable, reusable or other components for which economic markets for alternate users exist. “Components” include paper, glass, metals, garden and yard waste and may include other elements of solid waste.

Citation: Source Separate and Segregation of Recyclable or Reusable Materials, Chapter 6: General Municipal Law, Article 6, Section 120-AA.

For more information, see:

Note: While this law applies only to municipalities, the state has committed to support solid waste management service providers operating within New York State by requiring state agencies to source separate recyclable and reusable materials.

Applicable GreenNY Specifications: Organic waste services, recycling services

Transfer and Disposal of Personal Property (Surplus Property) 

The New York State Transfer and Disposal of Personal Property Law mandates the procedure by which physical property owned by the state is to be disposed, reused, or sold. When personal property of the state has been determined to be no longer useful, but is in a usable condition, the property must be offered for reuse, purchase, or disposal in the following order:

  1. Offered for reuse within the same state agency
  2. Offered for reuse to other state agencies
  3. Offered for purchase to municipalities
  4. Offered for purchase to the public
  5. Disposed in accordance with state solid waste laws

Citation: New York State Transfer and Disposal of Personal Property Law. Chapter 56: State Finance Law, Article 11, Section 167.

For more information, see: NYS OGS webpage on State Surplus Property Program.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Furniture

Wireless Telephone Recycling Law

The New York State Wireless Telephone Recycling Law mandates all wireless telephone service provider that sell wireless telephones to collect used wireless telephones from any person and ensure environmentally responsible recycling, reuse, or disposal of each wireless telephone collected.

Citation: New York State Wireless Telephone Recycling Law. Chapter 43-B: Environmental Conservation Law, Article 37, Title 23*2.

For more information, see: NYS DEC webpage on Wireless Telephone Recycling.

Applicable GreenNY Specification: Mobile phones