State government, as in many organizations, has "general services" functions that support various routine operational components of all departments, divisions and locations. The N.C. Department of Administration (DOA) is the primary provider of these functions for state government in North Carolina, which include facilities management, motor fleet management, purchasing and contracts, building design and construction, real property administration, and resources for energy information and technology.

DOA rose to the challenge of sustainability by getting an early start in developing the 
administrative pathways necessary for many other agencies to implement their plans. To achieve this, department leaders established a departmental sustainability team headed by Deputy Secretary Carlton Myrick. This team is comprised of division directors and an appointed sustainability officer for that division. This team has been meeting for three years to report on current activities and long-range plans for carrying out the sustainability effort in DOA and the agencies it serves. 

The department's sustainability efforts currently include reducing the waste stream, using 
alternative-fueled vehicles in the state's motor fleet, employing sustainable design concepts in 
state building projects, supporting various projects throughout the state that promote energy 
efficiency and conservation, and introducing Internet-based e-procurement that streamlines the 
purchasing process and reduces costs.

Early in his administration, Gov. Mike Easley asked Administration Secretary Gwynn T. 
Swinson to chair an Efficiency Working Group to look at immediate agency cost savings to 
address the fiscal year budget shortfall. The group was charged with the responsibility of 
collecting money-saving suggestions from state employees and turning those ideas into dollars 
saved. Answering Secretary Swinson's appeal, employees in many departments offered over 
800 different suggestions, many of which have saved not only money but also energy and 
resources, all hallmarks of the state's continuing sustainability effort. 

2001 Project Plans