New York’s power authority has invested $9.2 million into improving energy efficiency at Purchase College, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.
The project is expected to save the college, part of the SUNY system, about $400,000 per year on energy costs.
Upgrades implemented by the New York Power Authority include the upkeep or replacement of four cooling towers, installation of a new building management system and an underground water condenser system. The improvements can reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 360 tons a year, which the state says is equivalent of removing 76 cars from the road.
The state Public Service Commission earlier this month approved the Clean Energy Standard, a mandate pushed by Cuomo to have the state receive half of its power through renewable sources by 2030. This project, Cuomo said in a statement, builds on that vision.
“The completion of this clean energy project is a win-win-win that will help fight climate change, increase energy efficiency and cut costs at SUNY Purchase,” Cuomo said.
The New York Power Authority has completed more than 100 energy efficiency projects on 34 SUNYÂ campuses and will be partnering with SUNY on 17 other energy efficiency projects, according to the press release from Cuomo.
“Environmental sustainability and conservation are priorities in all aspects of campus life,” said Thomas Schwarz, president of Purchase College. “I”™m proud that Purchase, which has been selected by the Princeton Review as one of the ”˜greenest”™ schools in the country, continues to demonstrate leadership in energy efficiency.”
SPENDING $9.2 MILLION TO SAVE $400,000/year is a 23 year payback! And they think this is a good investment. Whoever makes these decsions should be taken back to school as this makes no sense!sense