Life Sciences Complex to receive High Performance Building designation

Syracuse University’s Life Sciences Complex will receive special recognition for its energy-saving measures that make it one-third more efficient than a comparable standard building. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will present a High Performance Building plaque to SU’s College of Arts and Sciences during a brief ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. in the Lundgren Room of the Life Sciences Complex. The event is open to the public.

The Life Sciences Complex, dedicated in 2008 and home to the biology, biochemistry and chemistry departments, was supported by $273,622 of incentives from NYSERDA’s New Construction program. The 230,000-square-foot building features a variety of energy-saving advancements incorporated during its construction. These include high-efficiency lighting systems, occupancy sensor lighting controls, high-efficiency elevator systems and a demand-controlled ventilation system, among others.

“The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to be recognized for our new efforts to implement and support environmental responsibility,” says Arts and Sciences Dean George M. Langford. “Our commitment has been realized in our Life Sciences Complex, where teaching and research go hand-in-hand with our green and sustainable campus initiatives. We are delighted to partner with NYSERDA in reducing our energy costs, while working to achieve the state’s ambitious energy reduction goals.”

SU is New York’s 40th recipient of a High Performance Building plaque. The plaques are presented to hospitals, libraries, schools, businesses and organizations that have constructed buildings designed to perform at least 30 percent above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code.

“Buildings are one of the largest contributors to any facility’s carbon footprint, and Syracuse University is no exception,” says Tim Sweet, director of SU’s Energy and Computing Management Department. “The energy-efficient features of the Life Sciences Complex and other new construction, as well as upgrades to existing buildings, are helping to lessen the University’s environmental impact. The NYSERDA programs continue to provide strong incentives for improving building performance through energy conservation, one of the cornerstones of SU’s Climate Action Plan and its goal of becoming a climate neutral campus.”

“Investments in energy efficiency and sustainable building materials are the most cost-effective measures colleges and universities can make to control costs, reduce energy consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions,” says NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. “I commend Chancellor Cantor and the leadership of Syracuse University for the high priority they have placed on conserving energy, protecting our natural resources and preserving our environment.”

NYSERDA’s New Construction Program can provide assistance when incorporating energy-efficiency measures into the design, construction and operation of new and substantially renovated buildings. NYSERDA strives to facilitate change through the widespread development and use of innovative technologies to improve the state’s energy, economic and environmental wellbeing. NYSERDA’s professionals help New Yorkers reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, protect the environment and create clean energy jobs. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.