Projects will help University save energy costs

Energy efficiency projects at the Binghamton University are projected to save the University $355,000 in energy costs every year and will result in the avoidance of more than 2,190 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced.

These projects support Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Build Smart NY initiative to increase energy efficiency in state buildings by 20 percent in seven years by strategically accelerating priority improvements in energy performance. This initiative will save millions of dollars for taxpayers and create thousands of jobs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Binghamton University’s energy efficiency projects will reduce energy bills and carbon emissions and spur jobs in manufacturing, installation and maintenance of the new clean-energy equipment,” Cuomo said. “These projects will help the university manage costs and will free up resources for its core mission – to provide a first-class education for our students.” 

“We are excited and proud to have received this NYSERDA award,” Binghamton University President Harvey G. Stenger said. “The implementation of our projects will greatly enhance our energy conservation efforts, reduce cost and reduce green house gas emissions.”

NYSERDA awarded $740,000 to the university. The energy efficiency measures are projected to reduce electricity use by more than 1.8 million kilowatt hours and fossil fuel use by 18,437 million Btu annually, the equivalent of powering and heating approximately 260 homes for a year. In addition, they are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,190 tons annually, the equivalent of taking 438 cars off the roads.

Projects include energy efficiency measures at seven new East Campus dormitories; a new Collegiate Center with kitchen and dining facilities, multi-purpose rooms, computer labs, lounges and offices; and renovations at the university’s Rec Center.

“I applaud Binghamton University’s leadership in making these long-term energy efficiency investments in its housing, dining and recreation facilities,” said Francis J. Murray Jr. president and CEO of NYSERDA. “The University is clearly committed to a more sustainable energy future for its campus. Not only will these investments save energy, cut costs and reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases, in keeping with Governor Cuomo’s energy and environmental goals, but they will also provide a more comfortable working environment for its students, faculty and staff.”

NYSERDA-funded energy efficiency projects for new construction at Binghamton University are projected to be 17 to 30 percent more energy efficient than New York State energy code requires, depending on the building.

Energy efficiency measures include high-efficiency lighting and occupancy-based lighting controls; insulation; high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; variable- speed pumps and motors; and daylight harvesting controls, which is a system that dims artificial light in response to available natural light.

Funding for these projects is through NYSERDA’s New Construction Program, which provides technical support to design teams and financial incentives to building owners involved in the construction of new or substantially renovated structures in New York state. It is a first-come, first-served program available to commercial, institutional and industrial sector customers of certain utilities. New Construction Program incentives are paid out upon project completion. The intent of the program is not only to improve energy efficiency and green building practices, but to effect a permanent transformation in the way buildings are designed and constructed throughout the state.

Cuomo’s Build Smart NY Initiative will support his call for 20 percent energy efficiency in seven years by using state building energy data to prioritize projects that will deliver the greatest energy savings per dollar spent. The largest and most inefficient buildings will be addressed first and undergo comprehensive whole-building improvements. Build Smart NY will accelerate projects that produce the greatest savings and coordinate all spending.