Office of Governor of State of New Yor : Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of Energy Efficiency Projects at Two SUNY Campuses

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of energy efficient projects at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and the College at Brockport. The New York Power Authority and the State University of New York partnered to make these upgrades that will save more than $620,000 in annual energy costs and remove more than 3,200 tons of greenhouse gases, the equivalent of taking nearly 2,500 cars off the road.

'The completion of these projects is a win-win that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, while cutting also costs,' Governor Cuomo said. 'These projects are one more step toward a cleaner, greener New York for all.'

NYPA provided more than $12 million in financing for the upgrades, which were carried out under Governor Cuomo's BuildSmart NY program, a comprehensive statewide initiative to increase energy efficiency in public buildings.

Upstate Medical University will save more than $420,000 in annual energy costs and remove more than 2,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually. The improvements, which began in 2014, include upgrades to air-handling systems and LED lighting installations at the Weiskotten Hall Research building.

The College at Brockport will save more than $200,000 in annual energy costs and remove more than 1,200 tons of greenhouse gases annually. The improvements, which began in 2015, include the installation of high-efficiency boilers, hot water pumps and air-handling improvements at several campus buildings.

Established by the Governor's Executive Order 88, BuildSmart NY calls for an increase in energy efficiency by 20 percent in state government buildings by 2020. The initiative will save millions of dollars for taxpayers and create thousands of jobs, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. BuildSmart NY is also a key component of the Governor's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to create an energy system that is cleaner, more resilient and affordable for all New Yorkers. It also supports the Clean Energy Standard, which requires that half of all electricity used in New York come from renewable sources by 2030.

NYPA president and CEOGil C. Quiniones said, 'SUNY has been one of NYPA's best partners over the years, working hand-in-hand to bring Governor Cuomo's ambitious energy goals to fruition. These improvements are the latest in a long string of energy efficiency measures that make these colleges some of the most energy efficient in the state.'

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, 'SUNY and NYPA have a shared vision and proven strategy to increase energy efficiency at our colleges and universities, and these most recent advances will be significant upgrades to facilities at the College at Brockport and Upstate Medical University. We look forward to our continued collaboration with NYPA as we transform the way SUNY campuses utilize cleaner, more affordable energy.'

College at Brockport Vice President for Administration and Finance James Willis said, 'The College at Brockport is thankful for NYPA's ongoing support of energy efficiency projects that support the College's environmental sustainability goals and its commitment to Governor Cuomo's Executive Order 88.'

To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.