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
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Total Project Acreage
0.00 Acres

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.
Environmental
Social
Economic
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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.

Five Core Elements

New York's GSR program tracks and improves five key elements in every cleanup project.

CORE
ELEMENTS

Land & Ecosystems

Restore habitats, protect biodiversity, and preserve land for future use

Materials & Waste

Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials to cut down on landfill waste and conserve resources

Air & Atmosphere

Minimize air pollution and emissions to improve public health and fight climate change

Water

Use water efficiently and protect water throughout remediation

Energy

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

Select core element
Energy usage on GSR sites in New York State has gone from a high of 500,000kWh to a low of 15,000kWh and associated emissions have also dropped from 187,000 pounds to 3,680 pounds, marking an over 98% decline.
Electricity Usagei
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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.
Propane Emissions
(CO2)
1.66K tons
The annual emissions saved as a result of the renewable energy projects on GSR sites in New York State is the equivalent to taking 370 cars off the road each year.
Propane usage on GSR sites in New York State has gone from a high of 74,000 gallons to a low of 11,200 gallons and associated emissions have also dropped from 938,000 pounds to 142,000 pounds, marking a nearly 85% decline.
Propane Usagei
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Propane Usagei
In Gallons
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Propane usage on GSR sites in New York State has gone from a high of 74,000 gallons to a low of 11,200 gallons and associated emissions have also dropped from 938,000 pounds to 142,000 pounds, marking a nearly 85% decline.

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.