# Reduce Energy Building Costs with Smart Upgrades - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/reduce-energy-building-costs-with-smart-upgrades/ - Published: 2011-08-22T18:25:38-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## 274 NYC Institutions Reduce Energy Costs by $5.5 million Annually with Support from NYSERDA Like in Do It Yourself Home Energy Audits, my former employer , the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ([NYSERDA](https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/)) did energy efficiency audits and improvements for NYC municipalities, K-12 school districts, hospitals, businesses and colleges.  They are saving in energy costs more than $5.5 million annually, and these efforts help reduce energy building costs significantly. The energy savings in New York City—35.3 million kilowatt hours—is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 5,100 single-family homes. These savings will be realized by these entities every year for years to come. Furthermore, payback on the measures is approximately three to five years, making it easier to reduce energy building costs over time. Companies and institutions that made performance-based upgrades not only save energy but also improve productivity. In addition, they lower equipment [maintenance and operating costs. ](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/06/ev-maintenance-cost-comparison-that-matters/) Furthermore, when you reduce energy building costs, you also support environmental sustainability and financial health. ![Energy-efficient commercial building with rooftop solar panels, sustainable landscaping, and an A-to-G energy efficiency rating graphic highlighting smart building upgrades.]( https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/D0A6DD96-195B-437A- AF4B-664C40E11F65.png?resize=400%2C267&quality=50&ssl=1) NYSERDA’s commercial and industrial programs provided more than $6.9 million in incentives to 274 New York City businesses and institutions during the first six months of 2011. These incentives helped fund the purchase and installation of high performance lighting and controls and HVAC. They also funded high efficiency chillers and boilers, building management systems and various other energy efficiency measures. This comprehensive support allows organizations to reduce energy building costs while investing in smart upgrades. ### New York City incentive recipients included: **Fordham University **had the new Rose Hill Dormitories designed to perform approximately 30 percent better than New York State Energy Code requirements. Each building is approximately 83,500 square feet with multiple stories. Together, these buildings will save 847,853 kWh per year and reduce summer [peak load](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/peak-load-reduction-new-york-citys-energy-revolution/) by 530kW. As a result, utility bills will be reduced by more than $74,000 per year. **National Audubon Society in Manhattan **installed energy-efficient lighting, occupancy controls and daylighting technology, and incorporated sustainable building materials into its new building. This project will help reduce energy costs by approximately $6,300 annually and decrease electricity consumption by 39,000 kilowatt hours. **Key Foods in Flushing, Queens, **installed performance-based lighting and controls in its grocery store. The project will help reduce energy costs by $45,000 annually and decrease electricity consumption by nearly 262,000 kilowatt hours. **Polytex Environmental Inks, Ltd. in the Bronx **installed high-efficiency lighting fixtures.** **The project will help reduce energy costs by $41,000 annually and decrease electricity consumption by 209,000 kilowatt hours.   ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)