NYSERDA Funding for Media Arts Lab Helps Reduce Energy Costs by $16,375 Annually
PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recognized the Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) in Pleasantville, N.Y. with a High Performance Building Plaque for energy-saving investments that will reduce energy costs by $16,375 annually.
Construction of JBFC’s 27,000-square-foot Media Arts Lab was supported by $87,407 in NYSERDA energy efficiency incentives, which leveraged $230,941 in investment by JBFC.
“From the very beginning, the Media Arts Lab building was envisioned to be a flagship for both 21st Century literacy education and for sustainable construction in Westchester,” noted JBFC Managing Director Dominick Balletta. “The building and its features are another track of our educational programs – to de-mystify the techniques and technologies of sustainable construction for the general public. Owning and responsibly operating a sustainable building is a commitment to the local community in which we live and work.”
Energy efficiency projects at the Lab include a geothermal system, high efficiency lighting and a heat recovery system. In addition, the building incorporated a “smart” building management system, enabling the facilities manager to control energy usage based on occupant needs.
The energy savings-100,184 kilowatt hours-is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 14 single-family homes annually and will be realized by the center every year for years to come.
“The Jacob Burns Film Center has taken significant steps to reduce its energy use and increase its sustainability,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “This project is a showcase for combining energy efficiency, renewable energy and green building principles to decrease fossil fuel usage and improve the environment.”
A portion of the NYSERDA incentive was used to assist the Lab in achieving LEED Gold Certification, an independent, third-party verification that the building was designed and built for high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
In addition to making energy efficiency improvements, JBFC is using solar and wind energy to create power from clean, renewable energy sources. NYSERDA’s Solar Electric Incentive Program provided more than $72,000 – approximately 55 percent of the total project cost – for a 14 kilowatt rooftop solar electric system. In addition, JBFC has a contract with Renewable Choice Energy to receive power from wind resources.
JBFC has taken its dedication to sustainability further by featuring sustainable building materials such as countertops made of recycled glass, flooring from renewable resources, toxin-free wall baffling and panels made primarily from recycled materials.
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. The Jacob Burns Film Center’s Media Arts Lab is rated to perform 33 percent above code. NYSERDA also recently awarded A High Performance Building Plaque in Westchester County to Thornwood Self Storage, a facility rated to perform 31 percent above code.
Since 2009, NYSERDA has provided more than $1 million to help reduce electricity consumption by approximately 2.5 million kilowatt hours in 14 new construction projects throughout Westchester County-the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of nearly 363 single-family homes.
NYSERDA’s New Construction Program provides assistance to incorporate energy efficiency measures and sustainable building practices into the design, construction and operation of new or substantially renovated buildings. Green building incentives also are available to customers pursuing LEED certification. These measures are designed to save energy through reduced electricity demand, and therefore reduce building operating costs.
For existing facilities, NYSERDA incentives can be used for lighting retrofits, upgrades to motors, energy management systems, heating and cooling systems and other operations. Assistance also is available for energy audits to help identify cost-effective opportunities to increase energy efficiency, develop greenhouse gas emission inventories and more.
For information about NYSERDA’s New Construction and Existing Facilities programs and Solar PV Incentive Program visit NYSERDA website.
