New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is more than a utility. We’re a climate actor, a community partner, and a model for transformation. Every day, over 9 million New Yorkers rely on us for clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment. Our infrastructure spans hundreds of facilities, thousands of miles of pipe, and a workforce dedicated to protecting public health and the environment.
That scale comes with a significant carbon footprint, but it also presents a unique opportunity to lead in the race to net zero. As climate goals sharpen globally and locally, we’ve embraced the challenge. We’re rethinking how we build, operate, and invest—embedding sustainability into every drop and pipe. Our mission is clear: decarbonize our infrastructure while continuing to deliver essential services 24/7.
Hunts Point Digesters (Image: courtesy of NYC DEP)
Our journey began in 2007, when New York City released PlaNYC, its first comprehensive sustainability plan. The City set a bold goal: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. We responded by compiling our first emissions inventory and began tracking our progress annually. As the City’s climate ambitions grew—with OneNYC in 2015, the Climate Mobilization Act in 2019, and PlaNYC 2023—we realized that efficiency upgrades alone wouldn’t be enough. We couldn’t meet these goals by swapping out light bulbs or installing solar panels. We needed a systemic shift—one that reached deep into our core infrastructure and operations.
In 2010, we launched our Green Infrastructure program. It was a breakthrough moment. We began investing in rain gardens, green roofs, and other distributed assets that manage stormwater where it falls. These low-energy solutions reduce runoff, improve water quality, and act as carbon sinks. Green infrastructure also reduced the urban heat island effect, created habitat for pollinators, and beautified neighborhoods. It showed us that climate investment could also be community investment. But even with its success, we knew it was only part of the solution.
Most of our emissions come from traditional “gray” infrastructure—treatment plants, pumping stations, and tunnels. These assets are essential, but they’re also energy-intensive. To truly decarbonize, we had to go beyond green infrastructure and transform our entire capital program. That meant embedding sustainability into every project, not just the ones labeled “green.” It meant rethinking how we plan, design, and deliver infrastructure across the board. With a $32 billion Capital Improvement Plan, the stakes—and the potential impact—were enormous.
Team tours Gowanus on April 28, 2025 (Image: courtesy of NYC DEP)
In 2012, we formed the Panel for Sustainable Infrastructure. This cross-functional team brought together experts from design, construction, operations, and compliance to integrate sustainability into our capital projects. We developed new protocols, standard operating procedures, and contract language to guide every phase of project delivery.
By 2014, we created a dedicated Sustainability Section to oversee design standards, data tracking, and project reviews. This team ensures that every project aligns with the City’s climate goals and our agency’s core values.
Embedding sustainability wasn’t easy. It required new business cases, baseline and future condition analysis, and strategic workshops across hundreds of projects. We had to bring designers, operators, and regulators together early in the process to align on climate goals. It was a cultural shift—and a logistical feat. It changed how we work.
Today, our capital program is remade. Every project—whether it’s a new facility or a routine upgrade—is evaluated for its climate impact. We ask tough questions: How will this project reduce emissions? How will it adapt to future climate conditions? How does it support citywide sustainability goals?
Since we began this transformation, we’ve achieved:
- ⚡ 30 million kilowatt-hours in annual energy savings
- 🌫️ 30,000 metric tons of CO₂e reductions
- 💰 $14 million in annual operating cost savings
These results speak for themselves. What started as a sustainability initiative is now a core operating principle. And with our scale, the benefits multiply.
We know we’re not alone in this work. Utilities across the country—and around the world—are facing similar challenges. Our experience offers valuable lessons:
- Sustainability must be embedded, not added on.
- Collaboration across teams is essential.
- Every project is an opportunity for climate action.
- Data and design must work hand in hand.
- Start early, and keep going.
Whether you’re a small utility or a large agency, these principles can help accelerate your path to net zero.
We’ve crossed the threshold and transformed ourselves into a greener, greater utility. And we’re not stopping here. We’re now exploring circular economy strategies, advancing environmental justice goals, and deepening our commitment to decarbonization. We’re building infrastructure that’s resilient, equitable, and future-ready. The return on this journey isn’t just measured in kilowatt-hours or dollars. It’s measured in cleaner air, stronger communities, and a more sustainable city. We’re proud of what we’ve built—and we’re ready for what’s next.
