NYSERDA Funding for University Services Center Helps Reduce Energy Costs by $49,558 Annually
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) a High Performance Building Plaque. This recognizes RIT’s significant investments in energy savings. These efforts will cut energy costs by a total of $49,558 annually. This achievement not only benefits finances but also fosters a greener future. Through modern technologies and practices, RIT sets a strong example in higher education. It inspires other institutions to adopt strategies that emphasize economic and environmental responsibilities. This recognition strengthens RIT’s position as a leader in promoting innovative energy efficiency solutions on campus and beyond.
In addition, RIT’s University Services Center became the first building in Monroe County to receive LEED Platinum certification. It was the second facility among colleges or universities in New York to be credited with such an achievement, according to the college.
RIT’s University Services Center project received $170,581 in NYSERDA incentives. These incentives funded energy efficiency improvements. They included a high-efficiency HVAC system and high-efficiency lighting. The funding also covered premium-efficiency motors that meet NYSERDA requirements. RIT invested an additional $225,853, leveraging the NYSERDA funding.
The building’s energy savings-more than 360,085 kilowatt hours annually-is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by approximately 50 single-family homes. These savings will be realized by the institution every year for years to come.
RIT Went NYSERDA LEED for Buildings
“We commend Rochester Institute of Technology on raising the bar for sustainability leadership,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.
“RIT has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to obtaining LEED Platinum certification by combining energy efficiency and renewable energy resources to make the building a model for energy savings while decreasing its use of fossil fuels.”
The University Services Center is a 54,000-square-foot, three-story office building to house student support and administrative services. The building includes a 10,000-square-foot, single-story “innovation center” with an open floor plan to display RIT innovation projects.
RIT initially aimed for LEED Silver certification. It then upgraded to LEED Gold. This improvement resulted from energy modeling through the NYSERDA New Construction Program. RIT wanted to push the boundaries of energy conservation. It emphasized using natural light and selecting sustainable building materials. Additionally, RIT purchased renewable energy certificates. It installed a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. The PV system acts as a teaching tool. It also raised the Services Center’s LEED certification to Platinum level.
“The latest LEED Platinum achievement is a new benchmark for our university with far-reaching impact on our future design, engineering and construction practices where superior performance, finalized with a successful project commissioning, becomes a new norm,” said RIT’s Sustainability Manager Witold Bujak. “This success sends a strong signal that RIT is on its way to becoming a sustainability leader.”
NYSERDA LEED Buildings
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage and facilitate the development of more sustainable buildings.
NYSERDA High Performance Building Plaques are presented to hospitals, colleges and universities, schools, businesses and other organizations that have constructed or substantially renovated buildings to perform at least 30 percent above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code. RIT’s University Services Center is expected to perform 50 percent more efficiently than a code-compliant building.
Since 2009
Since 2009, NYSERDA has provided more than $6.5 million to help reduce electricity consumption by approximately 22.8 million kilowatt hours in 119 new construction projects throughout Monroe County. This is the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of nearly 3,315 single-family homes.
NYSERDA’s New Construction Program assists in incorporating energy efficiency measures and sustainable building practices. It applies to the design, construction, and operation of new or substantially renovated buildings. Customers pursuing LEED certification can access green building incentives. These measures save energy by reducing electricity demand. As a result, they lower building operating costs.
NYSERDA incentives help existing facilities with lighting retrofits, motor system upgrades, energy management systems, and heating and cooling systems. They also provide assistance for energy audits. These audits identify cost-effective opportunities to boost energy efficiency. Additionally, they help develop greenhouse gas emission inventories and more.
For those of you that don’t know….plus the Source of this story is:
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public benefit corporation, provides objective information and analysis; moreover, it offers innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding. Essentially, its goal is to help New Yorkers not only increase energy efficiency but also save money, all by utilizing renewable energy and thereby reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. Consequently, NYSERDA professionals work diligently to protect our environment while creating clean-energy jobs. Finally, since 1975, NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York.
Source: NYSERDA
