New York Invests $150M To Decarbonize SUNY And CUNY

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an investment of $150 million to promote clean energy efforts in New York's public colleges. The funding, taken from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, will go towards sustainability projects for the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) systems. SUNY will receive $100 million, and CUNY will receive $50 million, allowing both systems to upgrade their campuses with energy-efficient technologies.

This program will decrease greenhouse gas emissions, lower cost of operations, and generate economic benefits through the creation of union jobs. The initiatives involve significant decarbonization projects, such as thermal energy networks, solar power facilities, electric vehicle charging systems, and geothermal systems. Through these clean energy solutions, New York's colleges and universities will not only decrease their environmental impact but also become models for sustainability for the rest of the state.

There will be several transformative upgrades at SUNY campuses. Binghamton University will deploy thermal energy grids and heat pumps, which should reduce energy consumption by 45% and save around $300,000 on yearly operating costs. The University at Buffalo will be the first energy hub to eliminate fossil fuels completely, taking a leadership position in energy efficiency. Simultaneously, SUNY Oswego will install a geothermal system meant to reduce emissions and energy costs. Stony Brook University will increase its solar energy facility to help decarbonize the Long Island electric grid.

CUNY, getting $50 million, will also experience extensive renovations at various campuses. City College of New York will incorporate solar canopies, battery storage units, EV chargers, and heat pumps for campus electrification. Brooklyn College will implement a geothermal heating and cooling system, rooftop solar power, and other EV charging stations to further its sustainability initiative. Hunter College will replace its current steam heating system with a new state-of-the-art energy-efficient hot and chilled water system to provide a more sustainable heating and cooling solution for the campus.

Governor Hochul highlighted the pivotal role of higher education institutions in climate action and showcasing the value of clean energy investments. "New York's higher education institutions have an important role to play in leading by example to help drive a cleaner, greener future," she said. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. echoed the same sentiment, pointing out that SUNY's commitment to action on climate and sustainability will leave a lasting legacy of lowering emissions in the state. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez emphasized the significance of these investments, with the funding assisting CUNY in further developing its role in creating a resilient and sustainable New York.

In addition to these individual campus projects, the investment is one aspect of a larger effort by the state to make sustainability and clean energy a priority. The Executive Budget has more than $1 billion going towards climate initiatives, with $108 million reserved for coastal resiliency and green grants. The state has already dispersed $1.25 billion in funding since the Environmental Bond Act was passed, showing that it is serious about moving forward on environmental sustainability.

The wider implications of this investment stretch well beyond the campuses themselves. As New York approaches its ambitious climate targets, public institutions are setting the standard for energy efficiency and adoption of renewable energy. The upgrades at SUNY and CUNY will be a model for other organizations seeking to switch to clean energy solutions. In addition, these projects will generate a substantial amount of high-paying, union jobs, stimulating economic growth as they work toward meeting the critical imperative to address climate change.

This investment supports New York's sustainable vision for long-term emissions reduction, greater reliance on renewable energy, and positioning the state as a leader in addressing climate change. Through the modernization of its public college and university infrastructure, New York is not only cutting pollution and saving on energy expenses but also keeping its institutions ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability innovation. What is being done today will pay dividends in the long term, gearing campuses for a future that emphasizes clean energy and environmental stewardship.

With an increasing focus on clean energy, New York remains at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. By investing in decarbonization initiatives at SUNY and CUNY, the state is doubling down on its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future while also promoting economic development through job creation. The funding is an important milestone on the path to accomplishing long-term climate objectives and positioning New York's public institutions at the forefront of the shift to a clean energy economy.