Major Geothermal Project Slated for Purchase
Purchase receives $50 million for a major geothermal project, funded by Governor Hochul’s $1 billion Sustainable Future Program.
Governor Hochul recently announced the next steps in her landmark $1 billion Sustainable Future Program to accelerate capital projects in New York, the largest climate investment in New York’s history.
Specifically, she announced dedicating $200 million to expand thermal energy networks at municipal and State-owned buildings, supporting several projects within the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
Purchase College proudly announces that we will receive $50 million for a major thermal energy project, which uses a system of pipes to share heating and cooling resources among multiple buildings.
The money allotted to Purchase allows for the design and first construction phase of a new thermal energy network, and establishes a framework for future geothermal systems on campus.
Purchase is one of three SUNY campuses to be awarded funding to improve energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint.
“Purchase College is excited to be at the forefront of sustainability and clean energy. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our representatives in the New York State Senate and Assembly for this investment,” says Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, PhD.
“We are eager to get to work on this new project, which will have a significant, positive impact on our campus, the wider community, and our environment for decades to come.”
“This project is transformative from an environmental, economic, and educational perspective. When completed, the campus will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 65 percent while reducing utility costs and integrating sustainable projects into the curriculum,” says Tom Kelly, Senior Energy and Sustainability Manager at Purchase.
“SUNY remains committed to helping Governor Hochul achieve the state’s climate goals, and thanks to her investment, we will be able to transition the State University of New York at Buffalo, SUNY Purchase, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook to more efficient and sustainable energy sources. This funding will help SUNY meet its goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions and ensure students will have a brighter, more sustainable future,” says SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
Purchase is recognized as a Green Campus by the Princeton Review and is designated a Silver STARS-rated college by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Purchase embeds sustainability into all aspects of campus life, empowering students and community members to protect our shared environment.