ESG Priorities

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.

ESG Focus Areas: Environmental, Social, Governance

ENVIRONMENTAL

  • CLIMATE CHANGE & GHG EMISSIONS
    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 & ENERGY STORAGE
    Renewable energy capacity, generation, storage and consumption
  • ENERGY RELIABILITY
    Reliability of NYPA’s network and infrastructure for consistent and uninterrupted supply, including optimization and innovation of smart grid technologies and transmission systems
  • ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ELECTRIFICATION
    Electrification and energy efficiency of NYPA and Canals’ infrastructure, including buildings, facilities and vehicle fleet
  • ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
    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

  • HEALTH & SAFETY
    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
  • EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
    Attraction and retention of talent, and the development of NYPA and Canals employees
  • DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
    Commitments and actions that build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture in the workplace and across NYPA and Canals’ value chain
  • COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
    Interaction and communication with community members and organizations, customers and other stakeholders in the areas in which NYPA and Canals operate
  • ACCESS & AFFORDABILITY
    Affordability and accessibility of services across customer types in the communities in which NYPA operates
  • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    Creation of more resilient communities and promotion of economic growth and local employment

GOVERNANCE

  • ENTERPRISE RISK & RESILIENCE
    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
  • REGULATORY MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE
    Management and compliance with relevant federal, New York State and local environmental and socioeconomic laws and regulations
  • CYBER & PHYSICAL SECURITY
    Security of NYPA and Canals’ network and infrastructure, as well as properties and personnel, including data protection and data breach risk minimization
  • SUPPLY CHAIN & PROCUREMENT PRACTICES
    Sourcing practices for goods and services and the environmental and social impacts of NYPA and Canals’ supply chain