Stony Brook Leads by Example, Already Completing More Than $50 Million in Energy-Saving Measures Under Governor Cuomo
On Aug. 19, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $79 million in comprehensive energy-efficiency improvements at Stony Brook University. When complete, the energy-saving upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus by 28,000 tons a year, saving the University nearly $6 million in energy and maintenance costs annually.
“Energy-efficiency upgrades at SUNY schools are just one of the many ways in which New York is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving costs throughout public buildings across the state,” said Governor Cuomo. “The Stony Brook project is emblematic of our commitment to fighting climate change and securing a cleaner, greener future for all New Yorkers.”
Leading the Way in Energy Efficiency
“Stony Brook is among the top universities and top public universities in the nation and recognized as a leading institution combining research and undergraduate education,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul when she visited Stony Brook University to make the announcement. “The more than $79 million in energy-efficiency improvements at the University will modernize the campus, save the school $6 million annually and advance our bold 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.”
Financed and implemented by New York Power Authority (NYPA) in partnership with SUNY, the extensive improvements at Stony Brook University, which include residence halls, science buildings and Stony Brook University Hospital, encompass a variety of energy-saving measures:
- Lighting upgrades
- Ventilation upgrades
- Building management upgrades
A Model for SUNY
SUNY schools make up 40 percent of New York’s state-owned buildings and are one of New York’s leading energy users. The SUNY Clean Energy Roadmap, announced earlier this year, represents SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson’s sustainability vision for the SUNY system. Led by NYPA and in collaboration with other key New York energy agencies, the plan seeks to increase the use of renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency and help combat climate change.
“SUNY is not only at the forefront of clean energy research and innovation — we are focusing on our operations to make a more energy efficient and sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of our communities and New York State,” said Chancellor Johnson. “Investing in clean energy and energy efficiency is happening on all our campuses, through the leadership by Governor Cuomo on preserving our environment and in partnership with state agencies including NYPA and NYSERDA, and businesses such as PSEG. We are pleased with the results announced today and look forward to replicating this success on other SUNY campuses.”
Building on Success
“Stony Brook University is thoroughly engaged in responsible stewardship of resources, saving money and being as efficient as possible, which includes implementation of energy-saving initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Michael A. Bernstein, Interim President, Stony Brook University. “With strategic direction from Governor Cuomo’s BuildSmart NY program, leading to the successful efforts of the New York Power Authority, administered by our outstanding Facilities and Services office, this is a win-win all around, and we’re proud to welcome Lieutenant Governor Hochul as we celebrate these collective efforts.”
The ongoing energy-efficiency measures throughout the Stony Brook University campus build on Stony Brook’s legacy of reducing its carbon footprint through energy-saving projects. Under Governor Cuomo, NYPA and SUNY have partnered to complete more than $50 million in energy efficiency upgrades on the Stony Brook campus to remove nearly 16,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere while saving millions of dollars.
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.
PSEG Long Island provided more than $500,000 in rebates to Stony Brook University to date and has committed $1.7 million in additional rebate support for separate projects underway throughout the campus.
Innovative Healthcare Sustainability Efforts
“We have much more to do, especially in the State of New York, to reduce our energy consumption and help combat climate change,” said Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, Senior Vice President, Health Sciences and Dean, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. “Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine have a proven track record of successful sustainable efforts, and with the additional $79 million in energy improvements from the state, we can build on our accomplishments to make the most positive change.”
Stony Brook Medicine has a longstanding commitment to employing innovative sustainability practices that protect the environment while keeping patients safe and comfortable. As a result of this robust healthcare sustainability program, Stony Brook University Hospital has consistently been recognized for its leadership on environmental sustainability, most recently from Practice Greenhealth, a national organization that promotes best practices in environmental stewardship.
“The Governor’s announcement demonstrates how well Stony Brook Medicine’s commitment to sustainability closely aligns with the State of New York, SUNY and Stony Brook University,” said Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Stony Brook University Hospital. “I’m proud that the energy-saving initiatives that we’ve implemented on East Campus, including Stony Brook University Hospital, the Health Sciences Tower and Basic Sciences Tower, have had a significantly positive impact on the environment.”