Design and Construction Report staff writer
New York State has announced $150 million in climate resiliency grants to make public college campuses greener, more energy efficient, and better equipped to handle severe weather. Funding, supported by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, will provide $100 million to the State University of New York (SUNY) system and $50 million to the City University of New York (CUNY) for clean energy projects.
York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento noted that the projects will be built with union labor, ensuring strong job protections and benefits.
SUNY projects:
- Binghamton University will install thermal energy networks and building heat pump technology to improve energy efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The University at Buffalo will build an energy hub to replace aging fossil fuel systems, while SUNY Oswego will develop a geoexchange field system for a geothermal network. Stony Brook University will install multiple ground and rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays to help decarbonize the Long Island electric grid.
“This Bond Act funding for four SUNY projects will help achieve New York State’s ambitious decarbonization goals and build a more sustainable future,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
CUNY projects
- The CUNY system will use its $50 million share for various sustainability initiatives. City College of New York will install parking lot solar canopies with battery storage, as well as rooftop solar and heat pumps. Brooklyn College will tap geothermal energy and install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, while Hunter College will transition North Hall’s energy systems away from inefficient steam to energy-efficient hot and chilled water.
“These investments will help CUNY play a key role in the development of a resilient, responsible, and resourceful New York,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.
The announcement comes as state officials push for major climate investments, including a proposed $1 billion allocation in the executive budget to fund sustainability efforts, create jobs, and lower energy costs for residents.
