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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) in New York State
Leading Innovative Solutions for Green Cleanups
Total Number of Projects
0 Projects
Total Project Acreage
0.00 Acres

Five Core Elements

New York's GSR program is the first in the nation to track data across the "Five Core Elements" to reduce NYSDEC's environmental footprint, emissions, and community impacts.
Select core element

Goal: Increase energy efficiency and use renewable energy sources to lower greenhouse gas emissions

As part of GSR - NYSDEC is measuring grid-tied electricity and overall energy use on DEC sites to identify new efficiency measures and opportunities for renewable energy to power clean ups.
Electricity Usage
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About GSR in NYS

Setting Ambitious Standards

New York State is a national leader in Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR), setting ambitious standards for reducing emissions and protecting communities. Guided by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the DER-31 Agency Guidance, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) aims to make sure that every environmental cleanup project is planned and executed with measurable, tangible actions that benefit both people and the planet. These efforts are designed to minimize environmental footprints, maximize climate resilience, and deliver real improvements in air, water, and land quality. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, New York is helping to fight climate change and create healthier communities for all.
Total ANNUAL Renewable ENERGY Production
All Sources
395.92MEgawatts
The renewable energy produced on GSR sites is enough to power over 250,000 homes in New York State.
395.92MEgawatts
Total ANNUAL Renewable ENERGY Production
Wind - 10%
Solar PV - 90%
The renewable energy produced on GSR sites in New York State is mostly generated through Solar PV.

GSR Principles and Core Elements

Holistic Approach

Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) means using cleanup methods that consider all environmental, social, and economic impacts, with a strong focus on reducing emissions and building climate resilience. New York’s GSR program is built on the “Triple Bottom Line” and the Five Core Elements: Materials & Waste, Water, Energy, Air & Atmosphere, and Land & Ecosystems. Every action taken under GSR is measurable and results in tangible outcomes like less waste, cleaner water, lower energy use, and improved air quality. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable energy, New York’s projects directly contribute to climate change solutions. These practices also create economic opportunities, support innovation, and improve quality of life for all New Yorkers, especially those in disadvantaged communities.

GSR Defined

“Remedial practices which consider all environmental effects at all stages of the remedial process, and which incorporate options that minimize the environmental footprint and increase the resiliency of cleanup actions.”

-- DER-31 Green Remediation Policy

Triple Bottom Line

New York State’s approach to Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) is built on the “Triple Bottom Line” of sustainability, which means every project considers environmental, social, and economic impacts. This guides cleanups in a way that not only reduces pollution and restores habitats, but also creates jobs, supports local communities, and delivers long-term economic value. By integrating these three pillars, New York’s remediation efforts are designed to minimize environmental footprints, promote social equity, and drive economic growth, making the state a leader in measurable, positive climate action.
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Sustainability

Environmental

Environmental considerations focus on minimizing ecological impact, reducing emissions, protecting natural resources, and restoring habitats. Our GSR projects prioritize climate resilience and measurable environmental improvements.

Social

Social impact emphasizes community engagement, environmental justice, job creation, and improving quality of life for all New Yorkers, especially those in disadvantaged communities.

Economic

Economic sustainability delivers long-term value through cost-effective solutions, innovation opportunities, job creation, and economic growth that supports community development.

Sustainability

When all three pillars work together, true sustainability emerges - creating lasting positive impact for both people and the planet while maintaining economic viability.

Value of carbon

Cost of Carbon as a Concept

New York State recognizes the real cost of carbon emissions by using the Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) in project planning. This means every ton of greenhouse gas released is assigned a monetary value, reflecting its impact on climate, health, and the economy. By including SCC in decision-making, New York helps remediation projects prioritize solutions that deliver the greatest climate benefits and measurable emissions reductions.

GSR in New York State

Resource Library

New York is a national leader in sustainable remediation, and NYSDEC provides a wide range of resources to support measurable, climate-focused cleanup efforts. These references offer guidance on emissions tracking, renewable energy use, environmental justice, and more.