NEW PALTZ - State and regional Department of Environmental Conservation officials dedicated a newly expanded Region 3 headquarters Wednesday, work completed that includes green technology that makes the facility more energy efficient.

The DEC has completed two additions totaling over 40,000 sq. ft. at its New Paltz office and they are environmentally green, said regional director William Janeway.

“As the needs of the people in protecting clean water and clean air and fighting climate change continue to grow, the resources of the state are less and less. But as part of revitalizing the economy, we’re investing in greening our resources, greening our facilities and the state can and should be a leader in that.”

The DEC has completed a pair of additions, 20,000 sq. ft. and 22,000 sq. ft, during the last two years and the additions that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. And the green features include geothermal heat, updated plumbing that reduces water usage by 20 percent, insulation and windows that conserve energy and maximized use of natural lighting.   

“And the state is and should be a leader in that. That investment in green, solar and geothermal helps generate jobs. And that helps turn around things in New York,” said Janeway.

Toni Hokanson, the New Paltz town supervisor, helped cut the ribbon on the new additions. Hokanson said New Paltz always been a community that tries to foster green thinking and better environmental stewardship.

The town, she said, has been buying more than 20 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources for the last decade.

“I think we have an abundance of residents who understand the importance of protecting our water, our air and wildlife biodiversity, and our open space. And that translates into doing things that are environmentally efficient in everything we do,” she said.

As the major employer in town, she said the DEC should set the example and help government jump start a green building movement to help all residents in the state.

“I think it is important they set that example, especially since they are the DEC,’ she said.

“I think it’s an important role for government. When reduce our use of energy in government building, we are reducing the tax implications and that puts more money in peoples’ pockets to do it home. But also when there’s a demand for products prices go down.”