In 2020, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of material ESG issues with support from a sustainability advisor and guided by the GRI Reporting Principles and the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles. The process included the identification, definition and prioritization of 15 priority ESG focus areas that were deemed to be of importance to key stakeholders and of greatest potential impact to NYPA and Canals’ business operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Adaptation to and mitigation of climate change impacts and risks, and the capitalization of associated business opportunities, as well as NYPA’s Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy indirect) and Scope 3 (other indirect) greenhouse gas emissions
Renewable energy capacity, generation, storage, and consumption.
Reliability of NYPA’s network and infrastructure for consistent and uninterrupted supply, including optimization and innovation of smart grid technologies and transmission systems
Electrification and energy efficiency of NYPA and Canals’ infrastructure, including buildings, facilities, and vehicle fleet.
Management and minimization of water, waste and air effluent and emissions, conservation of natural resources, promotion of biodiversity, and increased resilience and carbon sequestration on land owned or managed by NYPA and Canals
SOCIAL
Promotion and management of physical and mental health and safety in the workplace, and prevention of harm in the communities in which NYPA and Canals operate.
Attraction and retention of talent, and the development of NYPA and Canals employees.
Commitments and actions that build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture in the workplace and across NYPA and Canals’ value chain.
Interaction and communication with community members and organizations, customers and other stakeholders in the areas in which NYPA and Canals operate.
Affordability and accessibility of services across customer types in the communities in which NYPA operates.
Creation of more resilient communities and promotion of economic growth and local employment.
GOVERNANCE
The identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring and reporting of risks and impacts related to NYPA and Canals’ activities, and the incorporation of risk management strategies to enhance enterprise resilience, including plans for emergencies and disasters, into both long-term planning and day-to-day operations
Management and compliance with relevant federal, New York State, and local environmental and socioeconomic laws and regulations.
Security of NYPA and Canals’ network and infrastructure, as well as properties and personnel, including data protection and data breach risk minimization
Sourcing practices for goods and services, and the environmental and social impacts of NYPA and Canals’ supply chain.