When complete, the energy-saving upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 28,000 tons a year—the equivalent of taking nearly 5,400 cars off the road—in addition to saving the university nearly $6 million in energy and maintenance costs annually.
“As the largest single site employer on Long Island, with an economic impact of more than $7 billion, Stony Brook University must remain committed to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Bernstein.
Hochul pointed out the $79 million in energy efficiency improvements will modernize the campus, save the school $6 million annually, and advance New York’s clean energy goals.
“Stony Brook is a leading example reducing its carbon footprint and helping in our efforts to combat climate change with energy-saving investments and projects across the state,” she added.
The completed projects range from lighting and ventilation upgrades to the implementation of a pilot project of NYPA’s innovative New York Energy Manager, a web-based energy data management system that provides customers with real-time insights for energy-use reduction.
These projects have resulted in an improvement in energy performance at the university and a reduction in energy use that will meet and exceed the goals mandated in Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 88. Stony Brook University is currently leading SUNY’s four University Centers and Upstate Medical in energy performance improvement.
PSEG Long Island provided more than $500,000 in rebates to Stony Brook University for the projects underway.
The energy efficiency projects were carried out under Governor Cuomo’s BuildSmart NY program, the comprehensive statewide initiative to increase energy efficiency in public buildings.
Photo caption: Left to right, Valerie Cartright, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman; Suzanne Brienza, director of customer experience and utility marketing, PSEG; Sarah Salati, NYPA EVP and chief commercial officer; Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul; Stony Brook Interim President Michael Bernstein; Tod Laursen, SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost
(Stony Brook University)
