Nyserda Recognizes University for the Extraordinary Efficiency of New Building

Newswise — BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University not only researches and teaches smart energy techniques and processes, the University is also putting what it knows into practice as it constructs new buildings on campus. As a result, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is recognizing the University for its outstanding energy efficiency efforts.

Recently, NYSERDA presented University President Harvey Stenger with a High Performance Building plaque for the exceptionally high-energy efficiency demonstrated by the University’s Engineering and Science Building. According to NYSERDA, the building is rated to perform at 44 percent above the New York State energy code. Other buildings that have received this award usually average only 30% above the code. Additionally, the energy efficiency measures built into the new Engineering and Science building save the University nearly $370,000 annually.

Binghamton University's Engineering and Science Building reduces annual electricity use by 1.7 million kilowatt hours, the amount of electricity consumed by 247 single-family homes annually. It also reduces annual fossil fuel use by 11,374 million MBtu, enough to heat 160 homes, and eliminates more than 1,635 tons of global-warming, greenhouse gas emissions annually.

NYSERDA awarded $479,000 to Binghamton University to help offset the incremental cost of energy efficiency measures during construction, including high-performance windows; occupancy-based lighting controls; daylighting controls to take advantage of maximum use of natural light; high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; the latest technology for heat recovery and humidity control; and variable speed drives and motors. Additional renewable energy aspects of the building include passive solar and geothermal technology to augment heating and cooling.

"Our Engineering and Science Building is a shining example of how seriously Binghamton University takes its commitment to sustainability," said Stenger. "We're especially proud of this building because it is also a teaching facility that enhances our academic mission, enabling students to learn and conduct research with faculty in an energy-efficient environment."



The $66 million, two-story glass, metal and stone building, opened in 2011 to accommodate the expansion of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. Adding about 125,000 square feet to the Innovative Technologies Complex, the new building features state-of-the-art, flexible student and research laboratory space, as well as suites for new business start-ups and offices that support the University’s ongoing and expanding industry partnerships.