Climate change and our sustainability decisions play a substantial role in our every decision and action. We take guidance from the wise worldview of the Seventh Generation Principle of the Haudenosaunee philosophy that decisions and actions should result in a sustainable world for seven generations into the future.

This report sends a loud, clear and detailed statement that we can have a dramatic effect on our planet’s destiny.

From modernizing our generation and transmission assets to expanding the use of renewable energy sources, helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint, preserving our environmental resources and training the energy workforce, we are committed to a better environment.

Through the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, we embraced the opportunity to recalibrate our sustainability efforts by pursuing innovation and technology to tackle climate change.

We are more determined than ever to make significant progress toward unlocking the future of decarbonization. Our groundbreaking goal of generating 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035 is five years ahead of the target set under the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Our portfolio continues to evolve and expand to make clean renewable energy available, accessible and affordable in greater amounts.

There is an inextricable connection between shifting to clean energy faster, educating our workforce on sustainability, supporting our customers and communities, and accomplishing VISION2030—our strategic plan built around the people of New York State. The underlying context for this year’s sustainability report, guided by our Sustainability Plan 2021-2025, shows that environmentally conscious operations, social responsibility and corporate governance are but different facets of the same story, same culture and same mindset.

Additionally, we continue to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce as a key pillar of our Environmental, Social and Governance commitment. As outlined in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, NYPA is advancing sustainable progress while also transitioning to a green economy.

Playing a predominant role in energy and environmental stewardship for our state has been core to our work for years, but there is more to do. As the leaders of NYPA and Canals, we are dedicated to looking seven generations ahead, and committed to decisions and actions that will have a profound and transformative effect for decades to come. 

 

John R. Koelmel
Chairman